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1 



The Repentance of Croesus 



This copy No of the original 

"script" is loaned by the author. 

J. S. BARCUS 

New York 



The Repentance 
of Croesus . 

A DRAMA IN FOUR ACTS 



By 

JAMES S. BARCUS 



Illustrations by 
LAWRENCE HARRIS 



\z 



NEW YORK 
1914 






Copyright, 1914, 


BY 


JAMES S. BARCUS. 


i<L-. 


M 15 I9f4 



g)C!.D 35713 



THE purpose of this drama is to 
entertain by the love story and 
the human interest. 

The object is to help awaken 
conscience as to social justice. 

The hope is to point in the di- 
rection of solving the vexing problem 
— the cost of living — by indicating one 
method of evening-up opportunities. 



Up c 




Down 



Set for Act I 



Up R 



Up C Up L C 




L2 



Dowi 



Set for Acts II, III and IV 



; '-^ 




OLIVER RAYMOND 



f-^ 




KATHRYN RAYMOND 






FRANK PAYTON 




LORD HENRY 




JOHN McFALL 




^svs. 



ri 1 :^ . 






/ 



...y 



i \ 

I I 



V 



^■^ 



MABEL FOSS 



/^ 




<■'/ 



rrr^ W 



SIDNEY RAYMOND 




MARK HARDING 




ADAM STERX 





CHARLES 



PROLOGUE 

III the midst of plenty there's hunger; 

There's surfeit of store wliile men starve. 
The bounty of Nature is ample, 

If the Host would but evenly carve. 

The giants of strength in body, 

Contrasting with feeble of arm- 
Again the proportion is wanting, 

And the weak view the strong with alarm. 

The prodigious mental aehieveuHmt 
Unlocks the great storehouse of thought, 

While the unthinking multitude wonder— 
Their endowments of ^^•isdom are naught. 

The wills of iron— all unyielding- 

O'erwhelming the weak,— right or wrong, 

Accuse the omniscient Maker 

Of attending some subjects too long. 

Some hoping, some dreading the future. 
No two in the same even path, 

The Span of diff'rentiation 

From bliss to most terrible wrath. 

The wisdom of Nature you'd question? 

You pronounce her work spurious alloy? 
Should God, if unbounded and mighty. 

Bestow on us nothing but joy? 

Perhaps you are right in your meaning. 
But surely your logic is wrong; 

Your plan is to mould Nature over. 
But where Nature points we belong. 

To appreciate primitive wisdom 
Look facts in the face as they are. 

And yield to unchanging conditions. 
Then follow your own guiding star. 

Sweet Charity feeds upon hunger; 

Men strive for the plenty in store; 
Such struggling induces our growing, 

And stronger all men than before. 

But it's better to give even chances; 
To live and let live in your day. 

Compensation attends ev'ry purpose- 
Gather little or much, you must pay. 

So, avoid any unfair advantage; 

Do all in your power for the weak. — 
Not because of your own sublime goodness, 
But that selfish contentment you seek. 



The Repentance of Croesus 

A Drama in Four Acts. 
By James S. Barcus. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Adam Stern Temporary cook 

John McFall Farmer 

Mark Harding Labor agitator 

Oliver Raymond Multimillionaire 

Lord Henry Suing for Kathryn's hand 

Frank Payton. .Adopted son of John McFall; student, 
afterwards professor, in Raymond University 

Sidney Raymond Oliver Raymond's son 

Kathryn Raymond Oliver Raymond's daughter 

Charles Raymond's butler 

Mabel Foss Sidney's -fiancee 



■r. 



ikte'cost'of LivtOTr 



fifW 



ACT I. 



Scene — Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraiemit^ Club House at 
up L.. riftth door facing tojvard R, doT)?n, hell button on door 
facing. Hedge fence running along from R. I to R, 3, and 
then across up to Club House. Outdoor court of Club House 
rvilhin hedge down. Summer house with pergola effect at up 
R. On raised platform in summer house, four chairs. Low 
table at R. C. down, and two chairs. On table a call-bell. 
Rustic seat at L. C. down, facing R. down. Pillows on seat. 
Tahourette near seat. Rustic chair at R. 2. Roadway run- 
ning along beyond hedge up; and be}}ond roadwa}) Ra'^mond 
University Buildings and Campus shown on canvas. A gate 
at hedge through up C, leading to roadway. 

Time— 2.00 P. A/.. Saturday, in June, 1911. 

Place — Raymond Manor, suburb of New Yorl^. 

ADAM 
{Discovered at rise, with cook's hat and apron, stands near 
the table, whistling absentmindedly. He takes a large ring from 
his pocket, places it on his finger and gazes at it.) 

JOHN 
{In picturesque slouch hat and farmer's get-up, unobserved 
by Adam, comes to gate, bearing a haw.per of vegetables, which 
he rests upon the gate-post, looks about, and then bluntly says 
to Adam) 

What ye lookin' at ? 

ADAM 
{Startled, looks at John) 

Hello, Parsnips ! 

3 



JOHN 

(Appearing indignant, lifts hamper, carries it and sets it on 
table, pulls out red bandana, "wipes perspiration from face, gives 
Adam a hard look, (^^d in resentful tone retorts) 

Say, Adam, did callin' names ever git ye anything? 

ADAM 
(With teasing sarcasm) 
Well, howd'y, Mr. John McFall. How's that? 

JOHN 
If I'd call you nicknames fer ridicule, what do ye sup- 
pose 'Id be the first one? 

ADAM 
I don't know. Let 'er rip. 

, JOHN 
I reckon I'd call ye job-lots, 'cause ye think ye kin do 
anything, and ye never stick to anything long 'nuff to 
do it. 

ADAM 
I should worry a lot, and pay taxes on it ! 

JOHN 
Ye can't fix yerself for a rainy day by sneerin' at 
ever'body. 

ADAM 
I don't need fixin'. 
(Laughing) 

I kin do anythin' from bein' a cook to bein' an actor. 
(Prances toward R., takes off cap, tosses it whirling above 
his head, caiches it on his head as it cowes down.) 

JOHN 
Guess ye can. Ye had 'bout fourteen jobs in the last 
year, ain't ye? 

ADAM 

Nope, 'bout six. 

JOHN 
WaaL yer job cookin' at this here Club House ben't 
permanent, be it? 

4 



ADAM 
(X's to table) 

I hope not. I'm jest substitutin'. Regular guy's 
mother-in-law died, and he's celebratin.' 

(Absenimindedl}^ holds up hand and gazes at ring.) 

JOHN 
(Laughs) 

What ye doin' with that big ring on yer finger. That's 
what ye wuz lookin' at, eh ? 

ADAM 
That's me luck sign — the scales. I know all 'bout 
astrology. 

JOHN 
Ye ain't gittin' rich at it, neither. 

ADAM 
It's mostly luck what makes anybody rich. Depends 
on how y'er born. 

JOHN 
You must be one o' them reg'lar eugenic babies. 

ADAM 
Say, John, hev ye got a quarter ? 

JOHN 
(Suspicioush) 
Yes, and what's more, I'm goin' to keep it. 

ADAM 
I'll hand it right back when I show ye a trick. 

JOHN 
(Hands Adam a quaricT.) 

ADAM 
(La])s quaTier in the palm of /lis left hand, shoTvs the empt)^ 
palm of his right hand, rubs his hands quicf(l\^ together, and 
pretends an incantation; then exposes the palm of his left hand, 
in n>hich lie two quarters.) 

JOHN 
By gum, how'd ye do it? 





ADAM 
Easy. Here's yer quarter — 

(Hands John the quarter.) 
And here's mine. 

(Holds up the other quarter.) 

MARK 
(Enters at gate, blurts out to Adam and John) 
Evenin' ! 

ADAM 
Me old friend, Mark Harding ! What brung you here ? 

MARK 
(X*s to table.) 
I come out to here to see Raymond. 

ADAM 
Sidney Raymond? 

MARK 
No ! I mean the main squeeze, Oliver Raymond. Ain't 
he here ? 

ADAM 
Nope. 

MARK 
He's goin' to be here. It wuz piped off to me straight. 

ADAM 
I don't know nothin' 'bout it. Frank told me to roast a 
big chunk 'f beef, and I'm doin' it. 

JOHN 
I reckon that's what these vegetables is fer! Frank 
didn't say nothin', jest telephoned me to bring 'em. 

ADAM 
Frank's a wise one. He don't tell nobody much. 

JOHN 
Frank's some boy, all right ! 

MARK 
How'd ye ever git hold uv that boy? 

6 



JOHN 
Oh, I 'dopted 'im when he wuz a four-year-old — and 
he's educated hisself , too ! 

ADAM 
He sure has larned a lot. Them rich guys is all jealous 
uv 'im. I hear 'em talkin' 'bout one another when they 
don't think I'm wise. 

JOHN 
What'd they say? 

ADAM 
Oh, they can't savy how he can wait on 'em, and then 
beat 'em out on lessons. 

JOHN 
Do they talk that way ? 

ADAM 
Ye kin bet yer best heifer they do. 

JOHN 
Waal, hev they had all their 'zams ? 

ADAM 

Yes. And hearin' 'em talk, I guess Frank got the best 
marks uv any of 'em. 

{Laughs hearlil]}) 

When Sidney was gittin' pickled, he smashed a cham- 
pagne glass, and said he'd git ever' Perfessor fer givin' 
him poorer marks than that bastard, Frank Payton. 

JOHN 
(Enraged, starts to roll up sleeves, in threatening manner) 
Did Sidney Raymond call 'im that? He knows 'tain't 
so. 

ADAM 
Ah, he wuz drunk. 

JOHN 
Did Frank hear 'im say that ? 

ADAM 
No, and don't tell 'im. Don't start nothin'. 

7 



MARK 
Sidney Raymond's brains Id need a guide to keep from 
bein' lost in Frank's head. 

JOHN 
(Pleased) 

Frank's respectful to everybody, and he ain't ashamed 
o' work. Keeps up his studies, teaches a class in one o' 
them slum districts and helps me. He kin plow a 
straighter furry than the Secretary o' Agriculture. 

FRANK 
(Enters from Club House, in rvaiters apron, X*s to table. 
To John) 

Hello, dad ! Got some nice vegetables ? 

JOHN 
Yes, my boy. Picked 'em out careful. 

FRANK 
Good-morning, Mark. What can I do for you ? 

MARK 
(To Frank) 

I want to see old Raymond. Is he here? 

FRANK 
You mean Mr. Oliver Raymond? 

MARK 
Yes. You know'd who I meant ! 

FRANK 
I'm not running Mr. Raymond's business. 

MARK 
He's comin' here for lunch. 

FRANK 
Then you know all about it. 

MARK 
Yes, I know more'n you think. He's comin' here with 
that English lord, what's visitin' this country, an' Miss 
Raymond's comin', too. An' I could tell ye some more. 

8 



FRANK 
I prefer not to know too much about other people's 
business. 

MARK 
They played a trick on Miss Raymond to git 'er out 
here to meet that lord. She ain't rubberin' to see fur- 
riners. She's an American girl. 

ADAM 
Gee! Mark, how'd ye git wised up? 

MARK 
If I told ye that, ye'd know as much as me. It wuz 
leaked into my coco, that's all ; and I ain't goin' t' give 
nobody 'way. When a big mogul won't see a representa- 
tive o' the laborin' classes, and goes on grindin' em down, 
ye don't think they're goin' to pertect his secrets, do ye ? 

ADAM 
I'm on ! Got it from the telephone girl. 

MARK 
I ain't said nothin' ! Nor I ain't makin' it me bizness 
why he's goin' to be here. I wuz put next, 'cause it wuz 
a chance to git to see 'im. 

FRANK 
Don't you know Mr. Raymond never sees anybody ex- 
cept by appointment ? 

MARK 
Ain't I tried it 'nuff to know ? 

FRANK 
Then what's the use of trying it here ? 

MARK 
'Cause there hain't no walls 'round the atmosphere out 
here, is there? I reckon he'll hear what I say, unless he 
stops up his ears. 

ADAM 

Did ye ever git a squint at Raymond ? 

MARK 
No. 

9 



ADAM 
Well, I seen him once, and when he plants his peepers 
on you he won't hev to say nothin'. The language of his 
look '11 sound like a thirteen-inch gun, and you'll chase 
yourself so fast you'll need non-skids gittin' 'round the 
corner. 

MARK 
Cut out the danger signals and jest watch me! A 
walkin' delegate ain't 'feared to talk to nobody.. 

FRANK 
" Aren't the workmen satisfied ? 

MARK 
{Putting finger to mouth, as if to make a confidant of Frank) 

I ain't; and they don't know no better. Ye know the 
walkin' delegate's got to tell 'em what's good fer 'em. 

ADAM 
What a cinch ! Ye don't do nothin' but jest go 'round 
and stir up trouble, an' then git paid fer it. 

MARK 
( To Frank) 

I'hey're goin' to strike fer a ten-per-cent. raise. The 
cost o' livin's too high fer the wages. 

(With sudden inspiration) 

Say! 

{Glancing at John, then to Frank) 

Yer dad kin tell us 'bout this high cost o' livin' bizness. 
He's the guy what puts the eat in eatables. Ha ! ha ! 

{To John) 

Don't they soak us fer garden vegetables now, though ? 

JOHN 

I don't git it. It don't come to us farmers. 

MARK 
But ye know they soak 'em in the city. 

10 



JOHN 
Waal, I reckon ! You city guys pay the retailers about 
five dollars fer stuff what gits me 'bout one dollar. Them's 
facts ! I can prove it, — By gum ! 

MARK 
Ain't that scandalous? Set a feller back a V-spot fer 
what fetches one plunk to the man what raises it. If a 
feller ain't holdin' down a good job, he can't look a square 
meal in the face. 

JOHN 
(To Frank\ 

There's cheatin' some place. When I git only on^ 
dollar fer stuff; and Mark, livin' in the city, has to pay 
five dollars fer it! Ain't it graft? Who gits the other 
four dollars? 

FRANK 
There's the problem of the age, dad. But I must look 
after my work. 

(Exit to Club House,) 

MARK 
(Slaps John on back) 
By golly, mister, you gotta smart boy. 

ADAM 

The way them captains uv industry git it all fer their- 
selves, and don't leave nothin' fer nobody else — just like 
sleight-o'-hand. Gimme your hat, John. 

(Quzc^/ij takes Johns hat from his head,) 

Gimme yours, Mark. 

(Takes Mark's hat. Takes off cap. Quickly picks up 
three radishes, and appears to place one under each hat, on the 
ground.) 

Now you think we've got one reddish 'piece, don't you ? 

JOHN 
Waal, I know there's one under my hat. 

MARK 

I got one under mine. 

11 



ADAM 
How many do >c think I got under mine? 

JOHN AND xMARK 
(In concert) 
One! 

ADAM 
(Proudly) 

Watch the professor ! 
(LifVs Johns hat, and hands it to him.) 

JOHN 
By gum ! it's gone ! 

ADAM 
(Lifts Mark's hat and hands it to him.) 

MARK 
Mine's gone, too ! 

ADAM 
(Lifts his oTPn cap.) 

JOHN 
By gum, there's all three uv 'em I 

ADAM 
(Picks up and la^s radishes on table) 

I'm the captain uv industry ! I got all, and you got 
none, and ye don't know how I done it ! 

JOHN 
Ain't it so? 

ADAM 
I'm jest doin' this fer fun. They do it in earnest, and 
keep the stuff, and let the others suffer. 

MARK 
It takes a smart one to ketch Adam at these tricks, and 
it takes another kind uv smart one to ketch the selfish rich 
guys in their tricks uv trade. 
(Slapping John on the shoulder) 
But you've got a boy here what kin ketch 'em. 

12 



JOHN 
(Proudl])) 

I'm 'spectin' my boy '11 tell 'em what's wrong some day, — 
By gum ! 

MARK 
(Mediiativeh) 

Mind ye, I ain't got no kick on Raymond person'ly; 
he's 'bout the fairest uv any uv 'em. But 'tain't even 
chances when one man can make a hundred million dollars 
offen workmen ; and he's got a hundred millions, they say. 

ADAM 
Twice that ! Why, Raymond's a modern Croesus. 

MARK 

(Crabs hampefy quickh tak^s out and lay^s upon table three 
big potatoes. Carried awa^ v^ith his enthusiasm) 

Now, see here ! If these pertaters wuz all they wuz to 
eat in this room, and all uv us wuz hungry, what'd ye 
think uv me if I'd take 'em all over in one corner — 

(Picks up potatoes, X's quicJ^ly to rustic seat, la})s potatoes 
on seat, and puts right hand in hip pocket and drams it, points 
finger at John and Mark as if rvith a gun) 
— and draw a gun on ye, and say, I only need one of these 
pertaters, but, mind ! you ginks can't have none ? 

(Picks up potatoes and X's to table and lays them on table) 

Ain't it wrong ? 

(NOISE OF AUTOMOBILE APPROACHINC IN 
DISTANCE.) 

ADAM 

(Tiptoes quickly to gate, looks up road R. Excitedly to all) 

Here comes Raymond's car! 
JOHN 

(Quickly adjusts vegetables in hamper. Excitedly) 

I'll take these in. 

(Picks up hamper. Exit to Club House.) 
ADAM 

(To Mark) 

I wouldn't start nothin' here. 

13 



MARK 

(Straightens up, faces gate, folds arms, droops head, assumes 
studious, defiant pose. To Adam) 

Jest watch me ! 
(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE COMING NEARER.) 

ADAM 
( Walks hastily toward Mark) 
Ye'd better git out o' here. Vm goin' to work. 
(Exit pell-mell to Club House.) 

MARK 
(Looks about nervoush, drops his hands, walks stealthily^ 
toward gate, looks up roadway^ R.) 

(AUTOMOBILE SOUND NEARER, COMES TO 
STOP.) 

MARK 
(Trembles, and then fairl}) shakes, looks about, cuts and 
rum down roadway L.) 

RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY 
(In automobile costume, enter at gate, cross to rustic seat.) 

RAYMOND 
(With sweeping gesture) 
My lord, this is Raymond University. 

LORD HENRY 
(Adjusts monocle to eye, looks deliberately about) 
I say, Mr. Raymond, it's neat as Oxford ! 

FRANK 
(Enters from Club House, X*s to L. C.) 

LORD HENRY 
(DURING DIALOGUE BETWEEN RAYMOND 
AND FRANK, X'S DELIBERATELY BACK AND 
FORTH, UP AND DOWN, LOOKS ABOUT QUIZ^ 
ZICALLY.) 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

Are you in charge ? 

14 



FRANK 
Yes, sir. 

RAYMOND 
Is Sidney Raymond here ? 

FRANK 
Yes, he's at breakfast. 

RAYMOND 

(In astonishment) 
Breakfast ? 

(Looks at Ti^atck) 
Why, it's two o'clock. 

(Breaks) 

Is Miss Raymond here? 

LORD HENRY 
(Stops short, listens.) 

FRANK 
No. You are Mr. Oliver Raymond ? 

RAYMOND 
Yes. I expected my daughter. 

FRANK 
Miss Raymond telephoned from the Riding Academy. 

RAYMOND 
Is she coming? 

FRANK 
Yes. She asked me to tell you she'd be a little late — 

RAYMOND 
(Sharply) 
How's that ? 

FRANK 
Coming on horseback. 

RAYMOND 

(Impatiently^) 

On horseback ? 

15 



FRANK 
To try out her new horse, and stop on the way to see a 
poor family. 

RAYMOND 
(Appearing indifferent) 
Kindly tell Sidney, Lord Henry and I are here. 

RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY 
(Remove automobile top-coats, and hand them to Frank-) 

FRANK 
(Nods assent, exit to Club House.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Looking about, curiously) 
It's a bally Club House ! 

RAYMOND 
(Proudly) 

Sidney presented it to his fraternity. I believe there's 
nothing to equal it in this country. 

FRANK 
(Enters from Club House, X's to rustic seat.) 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

Why is it so quiet ? Nobody about ? 

FRANK 
(Adjusts rustic seat and tahourette) 

Reports on final examinations were received yesterday,' 
and the students have scattered. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 
Any students here? 

FRANK 
Only Sidney and myself. 

RAYMOND 
I thought you were in charge of this Club House? 

16 



FRANK 
I do chores to pay expenses. 

RAYMOND 
Yes, I know some of the boys do that. When shall 
you graduate? 

FRANK 
This year. 

RAYMOND 
Then you're in Sidney's class? 

FRANK 
Yes. 

RAYMOND 
(Patronizingly) 

So you passed your examinations ? 

FRANK 
Yes, sir. 

RAYMOND 
Of course Sidney passed everything? 

FRANK 
I think so. 

LORD HENRY 
(To Ray^mond, fawning) 

I'm jolly sure Sidney will come right. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

Are you to look after our luncheon? 

FRANK 
Yes, sir. 

RAYMOND 
(With dignity)) 

Have a table for four. 

17 



FRANK 
(Indicating hell on table) 
Please ring when you are ready. 
{Exit to Club House.) 

SIDNEY 

(Enters from Club House, X's to table) 
Good afternoon, Lord Henry ! 

(To Ray^mond) 

Hello, Governor ! Did it work ? 

RAYMOND 
Yes, Kathryn is coming. 

SIDNEY 
(X's to rustic seat, sits) 

Why is she late? 

RAYMOND 
(Impatiently^) 

Riding out on her new horse. 

(To Lord Henry) 

I'm a little worried about Kathryn. Ned — that's her 
new horse — is the most spirited one in her entire string, 
and not used to country roads. 

SIDNEY 
Kathryn'll break her neck some day doing stunts no 
other girl'd take a chance at. 

LORD HENRY 
I dare say the groom will protect her. 

RAYMOND 
She probably has no groom. She prefers riding alone. 

LORD HENRY 
Remarkable girl ! Why do you let her ? 

RAYMOND 
In all of Kathryn's conduct, I've never thought it 
necessary either to let or hinder. 

18 



LORD HENRY 
(Rises, adjusts monocle to eye, folds hands behind his hack* 
sets feet apart, sways slightly back and forth, as if to contradict 
the doubt in his own mind) 

I say, Mr. Raymond, are you quite sure your daugh- 
ter, after avoiding to meet me on the two social occasions, 
won't take offense at being trapped Hke this ? 

RAYMOND 
Oh, she'll be reasonable. 

LORD HENRY 
Why is she so down on titles ? 

RAYMOND 
(Conciliatory) 

We hope she'll like you for yourself — once she meets 

you. 

SIDNEY 
(Rises. Anxiously) 
Then she'll be glad we laid this plot. 

LORD HENRY 
Think of any American girl not wanting a title ! 

SIDNEY 
(Contemptuously) 
Her social settlement work has made her daffy ! 

LORD HENRY 
How so, dear boy? 

SIDNEY 
(Shrugging shoulders) 

Thinks it would be odd-like to marry an American. 
(X*s to Club House entrance, rings.) 

RAYMOND 
She doesn't seem inclined to marry at all. 

LORD HENRY 
(Meditating, resuming natural pose, drops monocle) 
I hope she's coming. 
(Sits.) 

19 



RAYMOND 
Oh, she'll be here. 

(Rises, looks at watch) 
Vm getting hungry! 

(To Sidne})) 
Were you sick last night? 

SIDNEY 
No, dad. Why? 
(X'5 to table.) 

RAYMOND 
Just got up. 

SIDNEY 
(Apologeticall-^) 
The boys had a little jamboree last night. 

RAYMOND 
(Lifts hand in pla^iul protest.) 

FRANK 
(In shirt-sleeves and waiter's apron, enters from Club 
House.) 

SIDNEY 
(To Frank) 
Get some wine ! 

FRANK 
(Nods acquiescence, exit to Club House.) 

RAYMOND 
(In mock rebuke) 
Right after getting up ? 

SIDNEY 
Well, dad, I've got to have a bracer. I'll be all right! 

RAYMOND 
But not for luncheon ? 

SIDNEY 
No, I don't want a bite. 
(To Lord Henr})) 
But ril stay till sister arrives. 

20 



LORD HENRY 
I fancy that will be soon. 
(Rises.) 

FRANK 
{Enters 'D>iih bottle of wine, in cooler, and three large cham' 
pagne glasses, X*s to table, dratDs cork, fills one glass.) 

RAYMOND 
None for me ! 

LORD HENRY 
(To Raymond) 
Perhaps I'd better not. 

SIDNEY 
(To Frank) 
That's all. 

FRANK 
(Exit to Club House.) 

SIDNEY 
(Hastily drains glass, starts to refill it.) 

(SOUND OF HORSE'S FEET, RUNNING RAP^ 
IDLY IN DISTANCE.) 

RAYMOND 

(Starts, listens, X's to gate and looks up road toward R, 
Lifts his hand for attention) 

It's Kathryn ! She's trying to make her new horse 
break the re — 

(Breaks, starts violently, exclaims) 

My God ! The horse is running away with her ! 

LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Rush to gate.) 

(SOUND OF HORSE'S RUNNING GETS 
NEARER.) 

RAYMOND 

What can we do ? 

21 



SIDNEY 
(Angrilyf) 
She's a fool to ride that horse ! 

LORD HENRY 
(Helplessly)) 
I say ! What can be done ? Isn't there a lackey ? 

FRANK 
(Appears in door of Club House.) 

LORD HENRY 
If somebody doesn't stop that horse, he'll kill her ! 
(Dances around in helpless excitement.) 

RAYMOND 
(In desperation) 
My poor Kathryn ! 

LORD HENRY 
(Much excited) 
Isn't there a man about? 

FRANK 
(Slings of apron, rushes out at gate and up road R.) 

RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Stand in arve at gate and gaze up road.) 

JOHN 
(With ha,t in hand, enters from Club House, excitedly X's 
to gate, exit up road R.) 

ADAM 
(Enters from Club House, X's to gate, excitedly) 
Heavens ! 
(X's rapidly to table, dances about nervously.) 

SIDNEY 
(Excitedly) 
He can't do it! 

LORD HENRY 
Like trying to stop a train ! 

22 



RAYMOND 
(With great emotion) 

I hope ! — there ! — ^he's reached her ! Look ! Look ! 
(SOUND OF HORSE'S RUNNING GROWS 
VERY NEAR. COMMOTION. WOMAN'S 
SCREAM.) 

RAYMOND 
(Excitedh) 
He saved her ! 

RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Excitedlx) step awa^ from gate.) 

(SOUND OF HORSE'S HOOFS ON ROADWAY. 
AS IF HORSE WERE TRYING TO ESCAPE.) 

FRANK 
(Enterst carr]}ing Kathryn in his arms, places her on rustic 
seat.) 

KATHRYN. 
(In chic riding costume, her crop hanging to her wrist.) 

RAYMOND 
(Quic^/y sits beside Kathr^n, and rests her head on his 
shoulder. ) 

LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Dance around ineffectually).) 

FRANK 
(Quietlv) 

ril get some water. 
(Exit to Club House.) 

JOHN 
(X's on the roadn>ayf of hedge from R. to L., leading frac' 
tious horse; the horse, having on ladies* astride-saddle, double 
rein, snaffle-bit bridle, rearing and plunging, exit road L.) 

ADAM 
(X's rapidl"^ to up R., watches John and horse disappear, 
turns about, facing down, throws hands in air, excitedl}f fans 
self with apron, X's to Club House, exit.) 

23 



LORD HENRY 
(X*s to Rayjmond, gazes at Kathr^n.) 

RAYMOND 
(Not diverted. To Lord Henry;) 

She just fainted. I don't see how she could be hurt 
much, the way he caught her. 

LORD HENRY 
(With droll manner) 

Wasn't it lucky I thought to call for a man ? 

SIDNEY 
This ought to be a lesson to her ! 

(X*s to table, drinj^s tivo more glasses of ipine, X*s to 
Kathry^n.) 

FRANK 
(Enters mth a pitcher of water, a glass and a torvel. Fills 
glass and hands it to Raymond; rvets end of towel from pitcher 
and sets pitcher on tahourette.) 

RAYMOND 
Here, Kathryn, drink this. 
(Puts glass to her lips.) 

KATHRYN • 
(i^evives a little, drinks.) 

RAYMOND 
(Takes towel and ruhs moistened part over Kathryn s face.) 

KATHRYN 
(Revives) 
Oh, I remember, now. 

RAYMOND 
How do you feel, dear ? 

KATHRYN 
Vm all right, father. 

RAYMOND 
(With emotion) 
I'm so glad you're not hurt. 

24 



KATHRYN 
No. I was just frightened. 
(Smiles, rises, Teflecting, looIf:s about) 
Who saved me? 

SIDNEY 
(In a flash) 
Well, Lord Henry, really — 

RAYMOND 
(Rises) 

Kathryn, I have a surprise for you. 
(To Lord Henry) 

Allow me to present my daughter. Kathryn, Lord 
Henry. 

KATHRYN 
(Extending hand) 

Vm very glad to meet you, Lord Henry; and I thank 
you. What a brave act it was ! I certainly thank you ! 

LORD HENRY 
Well, I — er — I — er — am delighted to — er^o have — er 
— the pleasure of meeting you, Miss Raymond. I — er — I 
— er — am so sorry you met with the accident. 

KATHRYN 
But Fm not hurt, my lord, and I have you to thank. 
(Looking douhifull}) at Lord Henry, then looking at Frank* 
to Raymond) 
Am I correct, father? 

RAYMOND 
(Apologetically) 
Well. Lord Henry did suggest it. 

KATHRYN 
(Turning to Frank, and quickly X'ing ton>ard him) 
What's the matter with your hand ? Look at the blood ! 

25 



FRANK 
(Lifting his right hand) 
I hadn't noticed it. 
(Hesitating) 
It's nothing, I think. 

KATHRYN 
(Excitedly) 

And your clothes are torn ! What happened ? 

FRANK 
I think my hand caught in the-^ 
(Hesitates, looks at Raymond.) 

RAYMOND 

(Embarrassed) 

This young man actually caught the horse. What 
Sidney meant was that Lord Henry called for somebody 
to do it. 

KATHRYN 
(C^nicall^) 

I see. 

SIDNEY 
(Snaps his finger in vexation, X's toivard R. 2.) 

LORD HENRY 
(In confusion, follows Sidne]); enters into pantomime rvith 
him. ) 

KATHRYN 
How did it happen ? 
(Taking Frank's hand.) 

FRANK 
I think I caught my wrist in the snaffle. 

KATHRYN 
Let me see. 

(Rolls up Frank's sleeve, artlessly^) 
Oh, dear me, that's cut ! Give me a handkerchief. 

26 



FRANK 
I think it's nothing. 

RAYMOND 
(X's to table, sits, eagerly watches Kaihry^n.) 

KATHRYN 
It is ! I'm going to boss this job. Please give me your 
handkerchief. 

FRANK 
(Takes folded handkerchief from pocket, hands it to 
Kaihr^n.) 

KATHRYN 
(Naivelyi) 
Please sit down. 

FRANK 
{Meekly sits,) 

KATHRYN 
(Proceeds to bandage Frardts wrist, while doing so) 
What became of my horse ? 

FRANK 

The stable boy has charge of him. He's in good hands. 

KATHRYN 
( Takes towel, moistens end of towel from pitcher, washes off 
blood that has run down on hand, triumphantly^) 
Now, Mr. Hero, am I not a good nurse ? 

FRANK 
(Rises, complacently) 
You're a good nurse. But I'm no hero. 

KATHRYN 
(Playfully) 
Don't start a debate. 

FRANK 
(Smiles) 
Thank you! 

27 



RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 
We're ready for luncheon. 

FRANK 
In a few minutes, sir. 

(Takes pitcher, glass and towel, X's to Club House en- 
trance, picks up apron, exit.) 

RAYMOND 
(Rises.) 

KATHRYN 
(To Sidney^) 

Who is that young man ? 

LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Cross to Kathry^n.) 

SIDNEY 
(While X*ing, scornfully}) 
Slings hash to pay expenses. 

KATHRYN 
Expenses ? Doesn't he get a salary ? 

SIDNEY 
Works his way through college. 

KATHRYN 
Oh! He's a student? 

SIDNEY 
Yes. 

KATHRYN 
(Animated) 
What's his name ? 

SIDNEY 
(Petulantly^) 
Frank Pay ton. 

KATHRYN 
(Gazes wistfully) toward Club House,) 

28 



RAYMOND 
(X's to Kathon) 

Yes, I found out all about him. He graduates this year, 
same as Sidney. 

LORD HENRY 
(To KathrVn, importantly) 

Oh, yes ! Your father heckled him ; but, after all, he's 
a servant. 

KATHRYN 
Oh, but he must be a fine boy ! 

SIDNEY 
Been petted and spoiled by the professors. Sympathy, 
I suppose. 

KATHRYN 
Is he popular with his classmates? 

SIDNEY 
Y^es, they run him in as halfback in one or two im- 
portant games ; and the boys fell for him. 

KATHRYN 
Then he must have given a good account of himself 
in the games. 

SIDNEY 
Yes, but it's brute force — 

RAYMOND 
He looks as strong as an ox. 

SIDNEY 
(Disgusted) 

Ought to be. Country boob ! 

KATHRYN 
(To Ray^mond, to relieve tension) 
Father, I apologize for keeping you waiting. 
(Light-heartedly) 
Aren't you all hungry? 

29 



RAYMOND 
( To Kalhryn, with evident purpose of leaving her and Lord 
Henr^ alone) 

Kathryn, I'll go and see if your horse is cared for. 
(To Sidney^) 
Will you show me the way ? 

SIDNEY 
Sure, Dad. 

RAYMOND AND SIDNEY 
(Exeunt at gate.) 

LORD HENRY 
I say, again, / am delighted to meet you, Miss Ray- 
mond. I hope you're not angry because we arranged it 
this way. 

KATHRYN 
(Nonchalantly) 
Not at all! Not at all! 

LORD HENRY 
May I say at the outset that your father has graciously 
given his consent that I pay you court ? 

KATHRYN 

(Laughing earnestly)) 
Oh, my lord ! I have another year in boarding-school. 

(Breaks, light-heartedly^) 

I'm going to avoid the courthouse for a long time yet. 

LORD HENRY 
"Courthouse"? What does it mean, — "Courthouse"? 

KATHRYN 
(Using riding-crop for pointer, as if to make a diagram on 
ground, deliberately and in mock earnestness) 

Well, you know, there is some relation between court 
and courthouse. You — 

(Pointing with crop, nearly jabbing Lord Henry) 
say my father — 

30 



(Pointing toward gate where Raymond has just gone out) 
said you — 

(Again pointing to Lord Hem}) with crop) 
could have his — 

(Again pointing toward gate) 
consent to pay — 

(Pointing to herself with handle of crop) 
me court. Then I— 

(Again pointing to herself) 
said / would keep away from the courthouse. You see — 

(Carefully diagraming on ground with crop) 
court — courthouse. 

LORD HENRY 
Ha! Ha! I see! It's a joke. One of your American 
jokes, isn't it? Courthouse! That's rippin' ! What you 
call bully! 

KATHRYN 
(Teasing, in mock earnestness) 

What a splendid thing it would have been, my lord, on 
this momentous occasion, if Mr. Payton had not gotten 
in your way and had permitted you to rescue me! 
Wouldn't that have been romantic ? 

LORD HENRY 
(Densely) 

He didn't exactly get in my way, you know. I didn't 
say that. But on my estates, I'm so accustomed to calling 
a lackey to do that sort of thing — well, I just — it didn't 
occur to me that I could do it myself, you know. I wish 
I had, because it was quite easy. Anybody could have 
done it. I saw how the man did it. 

KATHRYN 
That's interesting. How did he do it ? 

LORD HENRY 

Oh, just ran up and met the horse and grabbed his 
bridle. 

31 



KATHRYN 

(Eagerh) 

Yes? Yes? 

LORD HENRY 

(Cesticulaic^, excitedly^) 

Grabbed his bridle near the mouth, ran alongside of him 
for a little way; then, all of a sudden, braced himself, 
jerked the horse's head downward — and, you know, that 
threw the horse ; you came tumbling over the horse's head, 
you know, and the man just caught you with the other 
arm. That's all. Perfectly simple. 

KATHRYN 

(Carried an^ap with enthusiasm) 
And I didn't strike the ground at all? 

(Breal^s, sarcastically, deliberately) 

How simple ! Why, any man could have done that. 

LORD HENRY 
Yes, of course. So, after all, it doesn't matter much; 
though it would have been romantic. 

KATHRYN 
(Giving evidence of being bored.) 

RAYMOND AND SIDNEY 
(Enter at gate.) 

RAYMOND 
Ned's all right. 

KATHRYN 
Did they feed and water him ? 

RAYMOND 
Yes, and he's perfectly quieted down. 

FRANK 

(Enters from Club House. To Ra})mond) 
I'm sorry, Mr. Raymond, but I shall have to keep you 
waiting. 

RAYMOND 
What's the matter? We're famished. 

32 



FRANK 
In the excitement, the cook burned the roast. 

KATHRYN 
Have you anything else? 

FRANK 
Oh, yes. He's going to broil a steak. 

RAYMOND 
All right. We'll have to wait. 
{Reflectively^) 
Are you busy ? 

FRANK 
Not till luncheon. 

SIDNEY 
(Looks disgusted, turns awaV.) 

LORD HENRY 
{Bemldered and embarrassed.) 

RAYMOND 
{To relieve the situation) 

Sidney, suppose you take Lord Henry for a walk about 
the campus. 

SIDNEY AND -LORD HENRY 
{Exeunt at gate.) 

KATHRYN 
{X*s to rustic seat, slightly reclines.) 

RAYMOND 
{X*s to table, sits, indicates chair at table to Frank') 

FRANK 
{Sits.) 

RAYMOND 
{Takes from pocket checkbook and fountain pen, writes out 
a check, la})s it on table before Frank, f^iih unction) 
There, young man! 

33 



FRANK 
(Pushes back sUghtlyj) 
What's that for? 

RAYMOND 
(Proudh) 

For your brave act in rescuing my daughter. 
FRANK 

(Quickb) 

That's very kind, sir. But I couldn't accept it. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises to sitting posture, evinces undisguised interest.) 

RAYMOND 
(Slightly impatient) 
Why, you're a poor boy, aren't you ? 

FRANK 
Yes, but not that poor. 

RAYMOND 
Come ! I can well afford to give it. 
(Places check ^" Frank's hand.) 

FRANK 
(Rises, steps back) 
I can't accept money that I haven't earned. 

RAYMOND 
(Has brilliant idea) 

Well, I'll give you a chance to earn it. Will you work 
for me a week after you graduate ? 

FRANK 
(Looks at check, 1<^V^ '^ on table in front of Raymond) 
My week's work wouldn't be worth a thousand dollars. 

RAYMOND 
(Seizes check, rises, impetuously tears check '"'o bits) 
Well ! 
(With great emotion) 

By- 

34 



(With a struggle represses oath, alters mood, reflects) 
What are you going to do after you graduate ? 

FRANK 
Try to get a professorship. 

RAYMOND 
What is your specialty? 

FRANK 
Sociology, in connection with law and political economy. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, evinces more interest, X's to Frank) 
Didn't I see you in the social settlement once, last 
winter ? 

FRANK 
I've taught in the settlement off and on for three years. 

KATHRYN 
I thought I had seen you somewhere. That night you 
were making some demonstrations as to the high cost of 
living, as affected by the trusts and middlemen. 

FRANK 
Yes. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

So you're ambitious to be a professor ? 

FRANK 
Y'es. 

KATHRYN 
(X'5 to rustic seat, sUghtl]) reclines.) 

RAYMOND 
Nonsense, young man ! You have too much brains for 
a professor. You can make money. You have courage. 
That's what a lot of people lack. I'd like to give you a 
chance. 

FRANK 
Thank you. 

35 



RAYMOND 
There's no chance as a professor. The best you ever 
get's a salary. 

FRANK 
But I think I'd Hke that work, and could do some good. 

RAYMOND 
Do good ? To whom ? 

FRANK 
Why, to the people. 

RAYMOND 
Damn the people ! They're not looking after you. You 
look out for number one. 

FRANK 
Well, of course, I must do that, but — 
{Hesitates.) 

RAYMOND 
But what? Out with it! 

FRANK 
Well, while looking out for myself, I must be fair to 
others. 

RAYMOND 

(Pompously)) 

Oh, fair be changed ! Succeed ! That's what counts. 
Succeed! Get money, and lots of it. You can, too. I 
think you could fill the position of managing editor on one 
of my papers. A big salary and percentage of the profits 
— and you might, after a while, become general manager 
of my whole chain of papers. How does that strike you ? 

FRANK 
I couldn't fill the position, Mr. Raymond. 

RAYMOND 
Well, that's my business — if I think you can. 

FRANK 
It's my business, too — if I couldn't make good. 

36 



RAYMOND 
But you can make good. Will you tryf 

FRANK 
Who would say what is to be printed in the paper ? 

RAYMOND 

You, of course. 

(Meditatively) 

Well, I'd expect you to print the news and write the 
editorials according to my way. I think you have sense 
enough to see that point. 

FRANK 
That's just why I can't do it. If I were in that posi- 
tion, there'd be only one way I could run the paper. 

RAYMOND 
How ? Don't be afraid to speak out what you think ! 

FRANK 
Print all the news and write editorials purely from the 
standpoint of fairness to the public. Now, you wouldn't 
want that, would you ? 

RAYMOND 
{Angril};) 

Young man, you have the — I won't say courage — you 
have the audacity of your convictions. And you'll never 
win on sentiment. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X*s to Raymond) 

Father, you urged Mr. Payton to tell you what he 
thought. Now don't be angry because he is candid. 

RAYMOND 
(To Kathr^n, gentl})) 
No, really, I ought not. 
(To Frank* firml})) 

But this is a practical age, and I want to pound some 
sense into you. Look at the poor devils that can't get 
ahead at all. You have an opportunity, if you'll be prac- 

37 



tical. I might give you a position in a bank, or in connec- 
tion with some of my factories. Give me a chance to help 
you, by showing that you are practical. 

KATHRYN 
(X's to Tusiic seat, sits, listens to Raymond and Frank-) 

FRANK 
Mr. Raymond, I know what is meant by practical. 

RAYMOND 
Young man, I rather admire your nerve. Just tell me 
what is meant by practical. 

FRANK 
I have strong convictions. You will not be offended? 

RAYMOND 
I despise people who agree with me just to please and 
flatter. Sail in. 

FRANK 
Well, it is practical for one man to get so much that 
there isn't enough left for the others, and to use a news- 
paper, or chain of newspapers, to cultivate and warp pub- 
lic opinion — to help it along. I can take no part in it, 
whether I succeed or fail. 

RAYMOND 
As a professor, you'd have to teach according to the 
notions of sane and successful men. You couldn't go it 
unbridled. Don't be a fool. 

FRANK 
(Stung to anger) 

I'm aware that many teachers in subsidized universities 
get their inspiration, as it were, from the breath of the 
king. 

RAYMOND 
They show good sense. 

FRANK 
By looking at sociological questions through the spec- 
tacles of their masters? 

38 



RAYMOND 
Very wise, when their masters have proved successful. 

FRANK 
That's the very thing that has built up a priesthood of 
moneyed aristocracy. I think it's against public interest. 

RAYMOND 
Look at the army of accomplished young men, gradu- 
ated from the universities each year, who follow such a 
course. 

FRANK 

And hire themselves out to help set up barriers against 
reform and sing lullabies to the conscience of rich men, 
that they may be reconciled to the poverty and want of 
others ? 

(Earnestly) 

No ! No 1 Toryism does not belong to this soil, neither 
does a hierarchy of rulers. 

RAYMOND 
I'm astonished. As a professor, you'd lecture against 
vested rights. You'd want everything divided up. Let 
me tell you if there were a division, the smart men would 
soon have it all again. 

FRANK 
What belongs to you, I would have held sacredly yours. 
But I would like to see opportunities evened up, so that 
no one person could acquire so much more than he needs 
at the expense of others. 

RAYMOND 
How would you do it? 

FRANK 
By restoring and maintaining competition. 

RAYMOND 
The socialists claim co-operation would be better. 

FRANK 
That's just why socialism cannot, and should not, 
succeed. Selfish co-operation puts the many innocent to 

39 



trustful sleep, while the wicked few go through their 
pockets. Competition is wholesome, because it keeps 
everybody awake. 

RAYMOND 
(In mingled anger and admiration) 
You have let something embitter you against the rich. 

FRANK 
No, I assure you, that is not the case. 

RAYMOND 
{Reflectively^) 

I want to see you after you graduate. 
(Breaks) 

Who are your parents ? 

FRANK 
My father was a school-teacher in Pennsylvania. My 
mother was the daughter of a judge. 

RAYMOND 
Are they living? 

FRANK 
(Sadl})) 

No, when I was four years old, they were both lost in 
the Johnstown flood. 

(Breaks, controlling himself) 
1 was adopted by Mr. John McFall, a farmer. 

RAYMOND 
(S^mpatheticall})) 
Before you make any plans, will you be sure to see me ? 

FRANK 
Yes, with pleasure. 

LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Enter ai gate, cross to rustic seat.) 

FRANK 
(To Raymond) 

I think the luncheon must be ready, 
(Exit to Club House.) 

40 



SIDNEY 
What's the matter, father? You're blushing like a 
bride. 

RAYMOND 
Young Payton upset me a little. 

SIDNEY ' 
(Straightening up in indignation) 
What'd the gillie do ? 

RAYMOND 
Oh, nothing. Just argued. 

LORD HENRY 
My word ! A waiter talk back in this country ? 

KATHRYN 
(Rises) 

My lord, in working his way through college, Mr. 
Payton is doing what has been done by some of the 
brightest men. 

LORD HENRY 
But, as a poor boy, he should know his place. 

KATHRYN 
My lord, the poor boy's place in America is sometimes 
the White House. 

RAYMOND 
(To Sidne})) 

I offered to reward him with a check, and when he re- 
fused, I proposed to give him a position. 

SIDNEY 
What did you think of giving the guy ? 

RAYMOND 
The position of managing editor, to fill that vacancy. 

SIDNEY 
Oh, father! Cut it out! 

RAYxMOND 
But he refused that, also. Wants to be a professor 

41 



SIDNEY 
Professor ! Huh ! He'd try to reform the university, 
if not the universe. 

RAYMOND 
I've seen social leaders come and go. There are mighty 
few that can't be made to think with the palm of their 
hand, when the palm is crossed with gold. 

SIDNEY 
But he's an upstart. 

RAYMOND 
His enthusiasm will last just as long as he himself is in 
need. I can put before him the bait of success, and he'll 
be one of the strongest defenders of rich men and class 
distinction, because he knows both sides of life. And he's 
a fighter. 

SIDNEY 
I wouldn't take a chance. He isn't worth the trouble. 

RAYMOND 
I wouldn't be afraid to have him professor in this 
University, because I could show him opportunities on 
the side, and win him over. 

LORD HENRY 
I undertake that you'll have your hands full with the 
little bounder ! 

FRANK 
{Enters from Club House. To Ra})mond) 

The luncheon is served. 

SIDNEY 
{CloTPers at Fran}^, in a gruff tone) 
Waiter ! 

FRANK 
{Lool^s at Sidne}^, ma}(es no repl^) 

SIDNEY 
Bring me a glass of water ! 

42 



FRANK 
(Nods approvingly, exit to Club House.) 

SIDNEY 

(X's to table, pours out another glass of mne, drinks it. 
To Lord Henry) 

It doesn't take much to spoil a fool like him. I'm 
going to show him his place. 

KATHRYN 
(Cood-humoredlx)) 
Oh, Sidney, "J^^ge not, lest ye — " You know the rest. 

SIDNEY 
(To Kathr}^n, angrily^) 

Why do you want to make a hero out of a common 
farm-hand ? 

FRANK 
(Enters from Club House with glass of nnder and napkin, 
hands glass to Sidne'^.) 

SIDNEY 
(Takes glass.) 

KATHRYN 
(Noting Sidney^'s ugly mood, to relieve situation, to Ray- 
mond and Lord Henry, quickly) 
Let us go in to luncheon. 

KATHRYN, RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY 
(Exeunt to Club House.) 

SIDNEY 
(X's and puts foot on seat, rests arm of hand holding glass 
on akimbo lag, slightly loses balance, lurches and spills lva*er 
on shoe and bench, straightens up; to Frank, angrily) 
Waiter ! 

FRANK 
(Stands at attention.) 

SIDNEY 
Clean this up ! 
(Indicating bench.) 

43 



FRANK 
(Wipes off bench mth napkin.) 

SIDNEY 
(SilSt sticks out foot) 
Wipe off my shoe ! 

JOHN AND MARK 
(Enter at gate, stop at threshold, unobserved tt; Frank and 
Sidney; in pantomime.) 

FRANK 
(Straightens up, slightl}) hesitates, mentally debates with 
himself) 

That I decline to do ! 

SIDNEY 
Do as I tell you ! Wipe off my shoe ! 

FRANK 
I refuse ! 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, imperiously) 

You do what I tell you. It's part of your work as 
servant ! Do you think you're too good? 

FRANK 
I don't think myself above doing any work that is 
necessary. Necessary work is honorable, but you can't 
humiliate me to humor your drunken whim. 

SIDNEY 
(Enraged, draws fist, rushes up close to Frank* U^i/Zi 
bravado) 

Will you obey me, or not? 

FRANK 
(Folds arms in calm defiance, tosses head scornfully.) 

SIDNEY 
(Sizes up Frank* abandons purpose of striking, snaps his 
finger in his face, starts torvard Club House entrance.) 

MARK 

(Shakes fist at Sidney.) 

44 



JOHN 
(To Sidney, gloatingly) 

Why don't ye tackle 'im — By gum ! — if ye think ye're 
the best man ? 

{Lets out tantalizing guffaw.) 

FRANK 
(Lifts hand in protest towards John and Mark, follows 
Sidney with his eijes.) 

CURTAIN. 



ACT 11. 



Scene — Drawing-room in Raymond's home. Table at 
R. C, Large sofa at juncture of L. and L. C. Sofa up L., 
against wall. Walls covered with oil paintings. Rich por- 
tieres and draperies at doors and windows; also at up C. a pair 
of portieres, closed. Room well lighted with electricity^. Door 
at up R., leading to library. Door at R. 2, leading to dining- 
room. Door at up L. C, leading to entrance hall. Door at 
L. 2, leading to private office. Five chairs at table. Push 
button for bell at side of door R. 2. Electric light switch at 
door up L. C. Reading-light on table. Ash-tra^s, cigars and 
cigarettes on table. Individual ash-tray^ and holder containing 
cigars and cigarettes at sofa, L. and L. C. 

Time — Nearly two years later. Friday evening. 

Place — New York City. 

RAYMOND 
(Discovered at rise, in evening dress, almost decrepit, having 
apparently aged ten years in twenty-two months, examining 
portieres at up C.) 

KATHRYN 
(In simple evening gown, enters up L. C, X's to Raymond) 
Why, father, you have the portieres up, 

45 



RAYMOND 

Yes, Kathryn, just finished. 

(Pulls cord, parting portieres and exposing a full-length, 
life-size portrait of Raymond's father, paneled in wall. Pulls 
other cord, closes portieres.) 

KATHRYN 
They work all right. 

RAYMOND 
Yes— 

(With gesture and glance at other portieres) 
and match well. 
(X's to table.) 

KATHRYN 
(X's to table, sits.) 

RAYMOND 

(X's to up C parts portieres, X's to table) 

We must be careful to leave the portieres open when 
others are around. 

(Sits) 

Otherwise they might think me irreverent toward my 
plain old father. 

KATHRYN 
Nobod}- we care about would think that. 

RAYMOND 

Of course you and Sidney know. 

KATHRYN 
Certainly. 

RAYMOND 
The older I grow the more frequently he appears to me. 
(Rises) 

By the way, that new dictagraph records the voice with 
remarkable fidelity. 
(X's to L. 2) 

I haven't shown you, have I ? 

46 



KATHRYN 
No, father. You just got it. 

RAYMOND 
Wait a minute. 
(Exit L, 2.) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X's to up C, closes portieres, then opens them again, 
studies portrait.) 

RAYMOND 
(Enters L. 2, carr\^ing wax records, X's to table.) 

KATHRYN 
(X's to table.) 

RAYMOND 
This invention by Turner would entitle him to the cor- 
don of honor. 

(La^s records on table, picks one up and examines it care- 

Ulb.) 

KATHRYN 
(Picks up record and examines it) 
Now, you're not dependent on shorthand. 

RAYMOND 
No. Here is the voice itself. 

KATHRYN 
I must hear some of your records. 

RAYMOND 

I have planted a dictagraph here — 

(Pointing to sofa up L.) 
it will record all the conversation this evening — it is 
recording what I am saying now. 

KATHRYN 

(X's to sofa up L., moves it out, looks behind it) 

Why are you doing that? 

47 



RAYMOND 

(Sits) 

I have a curiosity to reproduce the offhand, running 
conversation, which I hope will take a philosophic turn. 
We won't say anything about it until it's all over. 

KATHRYN 
That'll be amusing. 
(Pushes sofa back* X's to table.) 

RAYMOND 
And instructive, too. It proves that when I talk in my 
sleep I intone the voice of the person who I dream is 
talking. 

KATHRYN 
Oh, I understand. In my wakeful meditations, I have 
caught myself carrying on a dialogue — in the respective 
voices. 

RAYMOND 
(Eagerly^) 
Really? 

KATHRYN 
(With evident design to please Ra'^mond and justify his 
Tvhims) 

Yes. I think nearly everybody does. When I was in 
boarding-school, there was one teacher, Miss Phipps, who 
thought she must discipline me about everything, and one 
evening when I had my hair dressed a little oddly, after 
the maid went out, I looked in the mirror — 

(X'5 to R. /, looks at wall, as if it ivere a mirror, appears 
to be adjusting her hair, laughs) 

and blurted out in the very voice Miss Phipps would 
use, "Miss Raymond, a simpler hair-dress would be more 
becoming," — 

(Faces Raymond) 
and then I answered in my own natural voice, "Miss 
Phipps, our party this evening is almost a state occasion." 
(Laughs heartily, X's to table) 
Now, they'd call that remarkable. 
(Sits,) 

48 



RAYMOND 
(Putting hand gently on Kathryns hand on table) 
You could always understand me. 

KATHRYN 

(Consolingly)) 

Yes, if while fully awake, I should talk that way, I can 
understand how you might repeat, in his voice, what you 
dream grandfather is saying to you. 

RAYMOND 
(Meditating) 

It is remarkable how his spirit taunts me with every 
misdeed of my life. I wonder what it all means. 

KATHRYN 
(Laughs) 

I could never qualify as an interpreter of dreams to 
the king. I'd surely get my head chopped off. 

RAYMOND 
There must be some relation between waking deeds and 
sleeping fancies. 

KATHRYN 
Perhaps. 
(Breaks) 

Y''ou have a book on the subject, by Dr. Freude, a noted 
German neurologist. 

RAYMOND 
I don't remember the book. 

KATHRYN 
The author maintains that there is an intimate con- 
nection between dreams and waking life. 

RAYMOND 
Father rebukes me. 

KATHRYN 
But you have done nothing wrong — not intentionally. 

49 



RAYMOND 

I have done things he would not approve — especially 
when I have brought hardship on the poor. 

KATHRYN 
But you're not to blame for that. It's the system. 

RAYMOND 
Yes, you have made me understand. You and Pro- 
fessor Payton. 

(Meditatively gazing at his father s portrait) 

What a grand man father was! A nobleman in his 
time. 

(Laughs) 

And they thought him rich, with only fifty thousand 
dollars to his name! 

(Meditates) 

I'm sorry Professor Payton is not to be here this even- 
ing. I enjoy his discussions — though he sometimes an- 
tagonizes me almost to the breaking point. 

KATHRYN 
I might have induced him to stay ; but it would seem a 
pity, because he likes his week-end visits among the poor. 

RAYMOND 
(Looks at his watch) 

Did Sidney go for Mabel ? 

KATHRYN 
No ; he sent his car. 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C, X's to Kathryn with card tray.) 

KATHRYN 
(Takes letter from tray, opens letter, reads; to Charles) 
No answer now. 

CHARLES 

(Exit up L.C.) 

50 



KATHRYN 
(Sigh) 

Oh, it's such a nuisance to have so many boys wanting 
to call ! 

RAYMOND 
(Cheerfully^) 
I can't blame them. 

KATHRYN 

(Looking at letter) 

From young Vanderhop. A nice boy, but not interest- 
ing to me. He only talks about yachts, motor cars, polo 
games — and other things sporty. He doesn't know there 
are poor people in the world. 

RAYMOND 
What does he want? 
(Pointing to letter) 

Another proposal ? 

KATHRYN 
(Smiles) 

Wants to call tomorrow evening. I'll send him a note 
after a while, and tell him I have an engagement. I have, 
with you. 

RAYMOND 
You know, Kathryn, my heart is set on your finally 
marrying Lord Henry — Sidney's, too. 

KATHRYN 
(Flinches) 
Yes, I know, father. 

RAYMOND 
You don't seem overjoyed that you are to see him again 
tonight. Two years since you saw him. 

KATHRYN 
Nearly — 

(Breads, complacently)) 
Yes, I shall be glad to see Lord Henry again. 

51 



RAYMOND 
(Rises, doubtfully), sharply) 

You haven't encouraged anybod}^ else? 

KATHRYN 

(Lightly) 

Why, no, father. If it will make you happy, let me tell 
you, I shall never become engaged without your knowl- 
edge and consent. 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
Miss Foss ! 

MABEL 
(In flash]) evening gown, enters up L. C. THROUGH- 
OUT ACTS II AND III, TALKS IN A STILTED 
TONE, MOVES ABOUT IN IMPORTANT MAN- 
NER, AND ASSUMES AFFECTED POSES— CIV- 
INC LUDICROUS IMPRESSION OF HIGHLAND- 
MIGHTY SELF-OPINION.) 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L C.) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X*s rapidly^ to Mabel, embraces and kisses her) 
Mabel, I'm so glad to see you ! 

MABEL 
Dear Kathryn ! 

(Smiles, X's to R, C, shades hands with Raymond) 
You're looking well, Mr. Raymond. 

RAYMOND 
Thank you. 

KATHRYN 
(X's to R. C.) 
Father and I were having a good old-time visit. 

RAYMOND 
If you girls will excuse me, I'm going to the library. 

MABEL 

Certainly ! 

52 



RAYMOND 
(X's to up R., hesitates, turns; to Kathryn) 

Where is that book on dreams ? 

KATHRYN 
(Reflecting, slowlxf) 
Shelf 4, section R. 

RAYMOND 
(Exit up R,) 

KATHRYN 
(Indicating chair, to Mabel) 
You had a splendid trip abroad? 

MABEL 
(Sits) 

Yes. I enjoyed it ever so much. Will there be many 
people here tonight ? 

KATHRYN 
(Sits) 
Just a simple at-home dinner. 

MABEL 
(Mildly astonished) * 
What! With Lord Henry invited! 

KATHRYN 
Not much is expected of me. 

MABEL 
(Using lorgnette, in half mockerxf) 

Oh, no! Lord Henry doesn't expect much of you! 
Just expects Kathryn! 

KATHRYN 
(Indifferently^) 
I haven't given him any such expectations. 

MABEL 
Well, of course I'm only surmising — from what Sidney 
has told me. 

53 



KATHRYN 

Oh, I'm nice to him because it's my father's wish — 

(Hesitating) 
and that big brother of mine seems crazy to have a title in 
the family. 

MABEL 
(Conciliator}^ tone) 

Well, you're not the girl to oppose your father — 

(Proudl}^) 
and that big brother of yours generally gets what he 
wants. 

KATHRYN 
(Quiet tone, half teasing manner, mocker])) 
Have you set the day when he's to get what he seems 
to want most? 

(Laughing, good-naturedly) 
I mean you, 

MABEL 
(Caught off her guard) 
Sidney thinks of waiting till his father — 
(Breads, confused.) 

KATHRYN 
(Quickh, curiously) 
Till ufhatr 

MABEL 
(Flustrated, confused) 
Till, oh, till a certain event. 

SIDNEY 
(In evening dress, slightly intoxicated, smoking cigarette^ 
enters up L. C, X's to sofa L. and L. C.) 

KATHRYN AND MABEL 
(jRise.) 

SIDNEY 
Hello, Mabel ! 

(Kisses MaheVs hand, touches Kathryns cheek Ti^ith his 
hand. ) 

54 



KATHRYN 
I'll join father. He is getting old, and I like to comfort 
him all I can. 



MABEL 



He looks worn. 



SIDNEY 
(ToKathr^n) 

You and Professor Payton will drive him crazy if you 
don't stop nagging him about the poor. 

KATHRYN 
Why, Sidney, he's interested in sociology, and wants 
Professor Payton's ideas. 

SIDNEY 
He needn't always be trying to convert father to his 
crazy way of thinking — and criticising rich people right 
to his face. 

KATHRYN 
You know how father hates flatterers. He enjoys the 
company of men who hold independent views — the more 
so if they differ from him. He calls such persons the 
whetstones of his mind. 

SIDNEY 
It'll worry him to death. 

KATHRYN 
(Laughs) 

What philosophy ! Why, that's the very thing to keep 
him young. 

(7*0 relieve tension, to Mahel) 
You've noticed the portieres ? 
(Indicating full-length portrait.) 

MABEL 
Yes. I was wondering. 

55 



KATHRYN 

Father is troubled a great deal in his dreams lately, 
and when he suddenly sees grandfather's portrait, after 
dreaming about him, he is frightened. 

(X's to up C, pulls cord, closing portieres, pulls other cord^ 
opening them) 

So he covers up the portrait while here alone. 
Grandfather — 

(Indicating portrait) 
died of heart failure by being frightened. 

MABEL 
Oh ! How terrible ! How did it happen ? 

KATHRYN 
He was sleeping on the veranda, when a tramp came 
up to beg, and called out roughly to wake him. 

MABEL 
And that caused his death? 

KATHRYN 
The shock produced heart failure immediately. 
{Breads, X's to Sidney) 

Sidney, father is failing very fast, and we must be 
careful of him. 

SIDNEY 
Certainly! How do you mean? 

KATHRYN 
While he's asleep, be careful not to speak sharply. The 
least fright might prove fatal. 
(To Mabel) 

You know, father has trouble with his heart, just as 
grandfather had. 

SIDNEY 
(Starts, averts face from Kaihrxm and Mabel, puts hand on 
chin, rolls eyes, indicating that he has a sudden inspiration.) 

KATHRYN 
You'll excuse me ? 
(Goes up R.) 

56 



MABEL 
Certainly ! 

KATHRYN 
(Exit.) 

SIDNEY 
(Puts arm around Mabels waisi.) 

MABEL 
(Enihusiasticall]}) 
Fm so glad you came just now. 
(Disengaging herself, pou(ingl^) 
Sidney ! You've been drinking ! 
(Breaks.) 

SIDNEY 
(Smiles, indicates seat on sofa.) 

MABEL 
(Brightly) 

We can only be alone a few minutes. 
(Sits.) 

SIDNEY 
(Sits.) 

MABEL 
What do you suppose Kathryn just asked me? 

SIDNEY 
I don't know. 
(Curiously) 
What? 

MABEL 
(Gushing) 
When we're to be married ? 

SIDNEY 
What'd you say ? 

MABEL 
(Hesitating, embarrassed) 

That you wanted to wait till — well — till — a certain 
event. 

57 



SIDNEY 
(Steelil}}) 

I'm sorry you said that. 

MABEL 
(On defensive) 
Why, dear? 

SIDNEY 
(Biting lips) 

Because she might suspect. The Governor hasn't been 
awfully cordial with me of late. 
(Rises, resignedly^) 
Well— 
(X's to table.) 

MABEL 
(Rises, X's to Sidney, conciliatory^) 
Your father's old — seventy-one. 

SIDNEY 
(More pleasantly) 
Yes.^ 

(Cheerful tone) 
And he seems deucedly worried. 

MABEL 
(Putting her hand affectionately on Sidne^*s arm) 
Do you think Kathryn suspected that the "certain 
event" was your father's death ? 

SIDNEY 
(Coldly) 

Kathryn's clever. 
(Breaks, cheerfully) 
But she could only guess. 

MABEL 
(Sadly) 

Must you come into the fortune before we're married ? 

58 



SIDNEY 
(Firmly) 

Yes. I want nothing to stand in the way of my 
ambition. 

(Proudly grandiloquent) 

I want to be the first billionaire. 

(Hesitates, braggadocio) 

With control of father's fortune of two hundred milHon 
dollars to start with, I can accomplish it. 

(Sits by table and brings fist doyvn hard to emphasize deter- 
mination.) 

MABEL 

(Drops on }(nees at Sidney s feet, in adoration) 

What a marvelous boy you are ! Just too grand for 
anything ! 

(Breaks, rises, strokes Sidney s forehead with her hand) 

I'm afraid you won't have much time for society — 

(Appealingly) 

and you know my weakness. 

(Sits, lays hands on table, leaning torvard Sidney.) 

SIDNEY 

(Puts his hand over hers in encouragement) 
Plenty of time for the kind I care about. 

(Breaks, rises, haughtily) 
We'll have our own set. 

(Disdainfully) 
Ordinary people bore me. 

MABEL 

(With weary yawn) 

Kathryn seems tied up in such people as Professor 
Payton. Has he any money ? 

(Rises,) 

59 



SIDNEY 
(Scornfully) 

You might as well say none. 
(Half smiling) 

Thank heaven, he won't be here tonight. 
(Discourteously) 

He's out roughing it among the poor — as he calls it. I 
despise such rabble. 

MABEL 
Isn't it trying to have to mix up with the common herd ? 

SIDNEY 

(Reproachfully) 

I should say so. In our opera-box last night, only two 
out of the six men were worth over ten million dollars 
each. 

(Contemptuously) 

I was really humiliated to be seen in their company. 

MABEL 
(Rapturously) 

Sidney, you should be a king! Your every instinct is 
royal ! 

SIDNEY 
(Self-satisfied) 

When I become master, there'll be a lot of common 
trash swept out. 

MABEL 
(Meddlesomely) 
Isn't Professor Payton in love with Kathryn ? 

SIDNEY 
(Disdainfully, as if in authority) 

Certainly. But Lord Henry's our choice for Kathryn; 
and Lord Henry it shall be. 

MABEL 
(Happily) 

Lord Henry's the right sort. I'm just dying to meet 
him. 

60 



SIDNEY 
(X*s to sofa L.) 

MABEL 
(X's to Sidney, "while X'ing) 

Sidney, what's troubling you? You've been bothered 
lately? 

SIDNEY 
(Hesitates) 

When Frank Payton graduated — the same time I did — 
he had the social reform "bug," and father got him a 
Professorship in the University, thinking he'd win him 
over. Instead, Payton has completely turned father's 
head. 

MABEL 
Why should that worry you? 

SIDNEY 
The entire fortune may be thrown away on some fool 
reform scheme, instead of being left in my control. 

MABEL 
• Nonsense! 

SIDNEY 
An old man, in his dotage, is apt to do anything! 

MABEL 
That's true. 

SIDNEY 
His will is all right now — 
(Firmlyf) 
but, unless something happens to him soon, he'll — 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
Lord Henry ! 

LORD HENRY 
(In evening dress, enters up L. C.) 

CHARLES 

(Exit up L. C.) 

61 



SIDNEY 
(X's to Lord Henr\), cordially) shakes hands with him) 
Lord Henry, allow me to present Miss Foss. Mabel, 
Lord Henry. 

LORD HENRY 
(X's to Mabel) 
Charmed, I'm sure ! 

MABEL 
It's a pleasure to meet you, my lord ! 

RAYMOND AND KATHRYN 
(Enter up R.) 

KATHRYN 
(X's and cordiall}; shades hands with Lord Henryi) 
Glad to see you again, Lord Henry ! 

LORD HENRY 
Such a pleasure ! 

(Noticing Raymond, to Kathr^n) 
And your father — 

(Breaks, X's to Ray^mond, shakes hands) 
My dear Mr. Raymond ! 

RAYMOND 
Glad to see you. 
(X's to table, indicates chairs.) 

SIDNEY 
(X's to sofa L. and L. C.) 

SIDNEY AND MABEL 
(Sit.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
Professor Payton ! 

FRANK 
(In rough outing suit, enters up L. C.) 

CHARLES 

(Exit up L. C.) 

62 



KATHRYN 

(X*s to up L. C.) 

Why, Professor, I thought you were on a week-end 

visit ? 

FRANK 
I couldn't go — the labor men want me to intercede with 
your father. 

(X's to Ray^mond) 
How are you, Mr. Raymond? 

RAYMOND 
Quite well. 
(Breaks) 

Oh, you remember Lord Henry? Lord Henry, Pro- 
fessor Payton. 
(Sits,) 

LORD HENRY 
(Bom stiffly.) 

FRANK 
(To Lord Henry, cordially) 
'Pleased to see you again. 

LORD HENRY AND FRANK 
(Eye each other significantly.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Sits.) 

KATHRYN 
(X*s to table, sits.) 

FRANK 
(Bows to Sidney and Mabel, sits.) 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 
What do the labor men want ? 

FRANK 
Mr. Raymond, since the strike so many of the men have 
been out of work, and the wages of others so cut down, 
that they can't make a living. 

63 



SIDNEY 
(Annoved) 

Oh, hang the fool laborers ! 

LORD HENRY 

(Adjusting monocle to e\]e. To Sidne}}) 

I say, though, dear old chap ! In London, we're accus- 
tomed to that sort of thing, rather, and we don't let it 
upset us. 

RAYMOND 
(Showing slight impatience) 
What have I to do with laborers ? Sidney's in charge. 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, X's to table, strutting, pointing finger at Frank) 
Father doesn't wish to be annoyed with business. We'd 
be obliged to you if you wouldn't talk shop. 

KATHRYN 
(Conciliatory, to Raymond) 

I know conditions are terrible, and I wish you would 
give them some personal attention. 

MABEL 
Kathryn, dear, what a lot of bother you have with the 
poor! 

FRANK 
They want you to hear a grievance committee. 

RAYMOND 
(Douhtiully) 
That would be going over Sidney's head. 

SIDNEY 
(To Frank, n?ith determination) 

Father^n't going to do anything of the kind. I run 
the business. 

(X*s to sofa L. and L. C, sits.) 

64 



RAYMOND 

(With slightly angered pride) 
Sidney ! Don't boast. 

{Breaks, turns to Frank) 

Professor, why do they ask my personal attention ? 

FRANK 

(With firm enthusiasm) 

The leaders have appealed, again and again, to Sidney. 
It did no good. They now urge you to hear them. Unless 
they're listened to, they can't prevent the men from doing 
something rash. 

{Sympatheticall})) 

I respect your privacy and your retirement, but — 

(Ferven/Zp) 
Mr. Raymond, the time has come when you ought to act — 

{Breaks, more firmly) 
when you must throw the weight of your influence either 
on Sidney's side or on the side of labor. 

KATHRYN 
{With supplicating enthusiasm) 
Father, see them ; talk with them ; it can do no harm. 

SIDNEY 
{In nast^ mood) 

It will do no good. If I can't run the business, I'll 
step out. 

RAYMOND 
{Resenting Sidney's presumption) 

Take care ! Don't speak as if you were the proprietor ! 
Some day you may be ; but you're not, now. 

( To Lord Henry), patting Kathry^n gently on the hand) 
Kathryn sympathizes with the poor. 

LORD HENRY 
That's jolly, when one can afford it. 

65 



KATHRYN 
(Hands clasped, elbows resting on table, leaning over in 
earnest pose) 

No one can do social settlement work, as Tve done, and 
be devoid of sympathy for the poor. There should be a 
better distribution of opportunity. 

SIDNEY 

(Impatient sneer) 

Kathryn, you have no more sympathy for the poor than 
I have — 

(Self-praising) 
but I want them to stay where they belong. 

FRANK 
(To Sidney, seriousl})) 

Misery can't be visualized; it must be felt or seen to 
call out sympathy. 

SIDNEY 
(Aristocratic air) 

We vshould keep away from such sights, and then they 
wouldn't annoy us. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X's to Sidney, shouting blind devotion) 
I know, dear brother, just how you look at it. 

SIDNEY 
(Seriously^ advising) 

Quit meddling with the poor, and attend to your own 
happiness. 

KATHRYN 
If you want me to be happy, let me be what I am; and 
not seem what I am not. 
(X*s to table, sits.) 

SIDNEY 
(Impatiently^) 

You can't be happy out of your set — neither can they 
out of theirs. Everybody knows that. Ask Lord Henry. 
(Rises, X's to L. C, thumbs in vest arm-holes, X's to sofa 
L., sits,) 

66 



LORD HENRY 
{To Kathtyn) 

Quite so. You should have, in this country, a titled 
class, then the fence would be higher between the aristo- 
crats and the proletariate, as it should be. 

MABEL 
(To Lord Henry) 
I just adore aristocracy. 

KATHRYN 
(To Lord Henry) 

In this country, the high fence has little terror for 
people with a just grievance. 

RAYMOND 
(Good-naturedly, to Sidney) 
Kathryn's favorite subject — look to your laurels. 

SIDNEY 
(Angrily) 

That's all I hear, and all I read about, these days, the 
relation of the rich and the poor. Bah ! 

CHARLES 
(Enters R. 2, carrying tray of cocktails, hesitates, X*s to 
sofa L., serves cocktail to Mabel.) 

MABEL 
(Takes glass.) 

CHARLES 
(X's to table, tenders cocktail tray to Kathryn.) 

KATHRYN 
(Shakes head in refusal.) 

CHARLES 
(Serves cocktails to Lord Henry, Frank* Mr, Raymond and 
Sidney.) 

KATHRYN 
(To others, tantalizing) 
I'll propose the toast. Here's to an equal chance for all ! 

67 



ALL 
(Except Kaihr]}n, drink.) 

CHARLES 
(Caihers glasses, exit R. 2.) 

RAYMOND 
Professor, where is your labor committee ? 

FRANK 
Waiting my report at Union Headquarters. 

RAYMOND 
Very well ; I'll see them here — after dinner. 

FRANK 
(Rises) 

ril let them know. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, to Frank) 
You stay to dinner. Send them a message. 

FRANK 
No, Miss Raymond, if you'll excuse me, I prefer to 
deliver such good news in person. 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, X*s to table, in commanding voice) 
Father! Please reconsider this rashness! I'm 
disgusted ! 

RAYMOND 
(Rises, in measured, concluding tone) 
And I am determined. 

MABEL 
(Embarrassed at Sidney's discomfiture, rises. To Kathr'^n) 
Kathryn, dear, if you'll excuse me, I'll go to your room. 

KATHRYN 
(Nods approvingly.) 

MABEL 
(Exit up L. C.) 



i 



RAYMOND 

I had hoped our conversation would drift this way. 
That's why I had it recorded. 

FRANK 
How recorded? 

RAYMOND 
(Deliberately watching all for effect) 
I placed a dictagraph in this room. 

ALL 
(Except Kathr^Ut evince surprise.) 

SIDNEY 
Father, why did you do a thing like that ? 

RAYMOND 
(To 5iWnep) 

Because I hoped we might drift into sociology, and I'm 
becoming a student. 
(To Frank, quietl})) 
I now propose to study both sides of life. 

KATHRYN 
(Puts arm around Tiaymond's neck; enthusiastically) 
That's what I love to have you do. 
(Kisses Raymond.) 

FRANK 
(To Rayfmond) 

You'll be happier, because you'll make others happy. 

SIDNEY 
( To Kathryn, with hatred) 
These reformers would cheat us out of our birthright. 

KATHRYN 
(X's to Sidney, puts her hand on his arm) 
Sidney ! Would you reproach your father ? 

SIDNEY 
(Jerks arm aipap, sits and sulks.) 

69 



RAYMOND 
(Ignoring Sidney, to Frank, calml)^) 

I have dictagraph records made of my dreams, as I talk 
in my sleep. 
(To all) 

I wish to invite all of you to listen to some of these 
records — tomorrow night, if it suits you. 

KATHRYN 
(X*s to tablet putting arm on Ray^mond's shoulder; enihusi- 
asticall^) 

Splendid ! 

RAYMOND 
I shall have portions of this evening's record reproduced 
on the roneophone for a part of the entertainment. 

FRANK 
(Good-naturedly) 
Fine! 

LORD HENRY 
(Agreeably^) 
Splendid idea, don't you know ! 

SIDNEY 

(Flustered, rises, X's to Raymond; protestingl^) 
Father, I object. 

(Deceitfully)) 

I, for one, don't care to go into vaudeville. 

KATHRYN 
(Ingenuously^) 

Sidney, you're too modest. 
(Persuasively^) 
It'll be great fun to hear what we've said. 

RAYMOND 
(Innocently)) 

Nobody seems to object, but Sidney — 
(Breaks, assuredly)) 
and he'll be a good fellow. 

70 



SIDNEY 
(Shorving great confusion, exit L. 2.) 

RAYMOND 
(To Lord Hem})) 

Come into the library, and I'll show you how I keep 
my records. 

RAYMOND AND LORD HENRY 
(Exeunt up R,) 

FRANK 
(Anxiously)) 
Miss Raymond, I hope my remarks haven't offended. 

KATHRYN 

(Cenil}f) 

Not at all, Professor. I quite agree with you. 

(Earnestly)) 

If any of my family, or friends, have opinions that can 
be scorched by truth — 

(Breaks, jokingly) 
I'm for the conflagration. 

(Sits,) 

FRANK 

(Sits, admiringly) 

What a wonderful woman you are ! My heart just — 

KATHRYN 
(Seriously)) 

Your heart's in the right place with reference to your 
fellow-man. 

FRANK 
(Reflecting) 
People think I'm happy, but I'm not. 

KATHRYN 
(Curiously) 

You would be but for the misery you see around you. 

71 



FRANK 
(In melancholy^) 
I'd still be forlorn. 

KATHRYN 
(Painfully^ surprised) 
Why forlorn, Professor? I'm so sorry. 

FRANK 
(Absentmindedly) 

I'd be happy when you are with me — 
(Breaks^ slowly) 
only I realize how soon that must end. 

KATHRYN 
(Ingenuously^, cheerfull}^) 
I could never do my best work without you, Professor. 

FRANK 
(As if in quer^) 
But you'll not always be the only one to consider. 

KATHRYN 
(Reassuringly, conciliatorvi) 

You are the only one who can stop me from working on 
with you until our dreams of reform come true. 

FRANK 
(Abstraciedl}}) 
But I can't work so well in the shadow. 

KATHRYN 
(Sympathetically) 
Why do you say shadow ? — what shadow ? 

FRANK 
(With jar-away look, sadly) 

The shadow of Lord Henry. It appears that either 
Lord Henry or I must form the eclipse. Fate seems to 
ordain that his lordship shall do it. 
(More cheerily) 

Miss Raymond, you are the brightest and cleverest 
woman I ever knew — but — 

72 



RAYMOND 
(Enters up R., X's to table.) 

FRANK AND KATHRYN 
(Rise.) 

FRANK 
(Slightly^ confused^ to Rayjmond) 
I'll be back with the committee after dinner. 
(BoTi>s to Kathr^n^ exit up L. C.) 

RAYMOND 
(Sits,) 

KATHRYN 
(Puts arm around Ra^mond*s neck) 
I'm so glad you're going to see the committee. 

RAYMOND 
That's one reason I'm doing it ! 

KATHRYN 
(Disengaging herself, meditating) 
Father, what is the matter with Sidney? 

RAYMOND 
I'm afraid too much pampering has spoiled him. 

KATHRYN 
He's not getting enough sleep. 

RAYMOND 
(Patting Kathryn on hand) 

If Sidney had your ways, he'd be a wonderful success. 
He has a great chance. 
(Breaks, meditating) 
You have your grandfather's — 
(Indicating picture) 

disposition — that's atavism, isn't it — where character 
leaps over? 

KATHRYN 
Yes. And I'm proud of that. 

73 



CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C. to Kaihr^n) 
There's a little girl to see you. 
KATHRYN 
(Quickb) 
Find out what she wants. 

CHARLES 
I tried; but she's crying, and all she can say is some- 
thing about her brother — and she must see you. 

KATHRYN 
Very well, Charles. 
(Exit up L C.) 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L. C.) 

SIDNEY 
(Enters L. 2. X*s L. and L. C; indifferentl}f) 
Where's Kathryn? 

RAYMOND ' 

Just this minute stepped out. 

KATHRYN 
(In automobile costume, enters, X*$ to Raymond, kisses 
him, excitedly) 

Father, I must make a call. Don't wait dinner. I'll 
be back as soon as I can. 

RAYMOND 
(Rises, sympathetically) 
What is it? 

KATHRYN 
A little boy is dying — ^that's his sister. 

RAYMOND 
What boy? 

KATHRYN 
One of my favorites, little Tony. His father worked 
for you — er — for Sidney, until he was laid off. They were 

74 



almost starving when Tony took sick. I happened to find 
them, and got them some food, and a doctor, but I fear 
it was too late for Tony. 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
Miss Raymond, your car ! 

KATHRYN 
Yes, Charles. Telephone Dr. Wood that I will stop for 
him in just a few minutes. Hurry, Charles! 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L C.) 

KATHRYN 
(X*s toUfard up L. C.) 

SIDNEY 
(Sharplyf) 
Kathryn, aren't you ever going to grow up ? 

KATHRYN 
What do you mean ? 

SIDNEY 
All this sentimental business about a Dago ! There are 
too many of them, anyhow. Why don't you let the wop 
die? 

KATHRYN 
(Angril})) 
Sidney, would I let you die ? 

SIDNEY 
Ha ! Ha ! That's different, I hope. 

KATHRYN 
Why should it be different? You are both human 
beings. 

(Exit up L. C.) 

SIDNEY 
(Sulks, exit L. 2.) 

75 



RAYMOND 
(X's to portraiU looks at it a jeV) moments, X*$ slotvl}) to 
table, sits.) 

CHARLES 
(In Raymonds private office off L. 2. Excited \>oice) 
I can't ! It wouldn't be right ! 

SIDNEY 
(In Raymond's private office) 
I say you will ! 

(Noise of struggle is heard in Ra})mond's private office off 
L2.) 

CHARLES AND SIDNEY 
(Enter L. 2.) 

CHARLES 

(Hair disheveled, bloodstains on face, coat half off, held 
back b]) Sidney clinging to coat, holding paper in one hand, 
trying to keep it from Sidney, holding something under coat 
with other hand, calling out hysterically) 

Mr. Raymond ! Oh ! Mr. Raymond ! 

SIDNEY 
(In shirt-sleeves, hair disheveled, resembling a maniac, 
Tprests paper from Charles.) 

RAYMOND 
(Rises, X*s to L. 2; excitedly) 

What on earth ? Why, Charles! Charles! 

SIDNEY 

(Releases his hold on Charles, straightens up in maniacal 
defiance, excitedly tears up paper; angrily) 

Father, I want these records destroyed. 

(Deceitfully, rapidly) 

I don't want to hear all this stuff rehashed. 

(Scatters bits of paper; rashly) 

I ought to have some rights. 

(Breaks, hysterically) 

You think more of outsiders than you do of your own 
son. 

76 



CHARLES 
(Takes wax records from under coaU hands them to Ray- 
mond; breathlessly^) 
The originals ! 

RAYMOND 
(Takes wax records; to Sidney, contemptuously) 
You're not quite up-to-date on dictagraphs. 
(Holds up and examines wax records carefully, as if to see 
that they are not damaged) 

Here is the record with the voice reproduced. 
(With contemptuous, pitying pose, measured, firm tone) 
ril learn why you wished it destroyed. 

CURTAIN. 



ACT III. 



Scene — Same as Act II — Lamp House, Balcony C. 

Time — Two hours later. 

Place- — Same. 

RAYMOND, FRANK, JOHN, MARK AND ADAM 
(Discovered at rise, seated at table.) 

KATHRYN AND LORD HENRY 
(Seated on sofa L. and L. C.) 

MABEL 
(Seated on sofa up L., reading a book, appearing indiffer- 
ent to conference.) 

JOHN 
(In Sunday clothes) 

That — By gum ! — is the reason they put me on the com- 
mittee, to show you that us farmers don't git the big 
prices what the city folks have to pay. 

77 



RAYMOND 

Yes, Mr. McFall, I understand ; and Mr. Harding has 
undertaken to show that the prices of necessities are be- 
yond the reach of the laboring classes. 

(To Adam) 

What has Mr. Stern to say ? 

FRANK 
( To Ra\;mond) 

Mr. Stern was put on the committee because he repre- 
sents a large class of enforced idlers. 

RAYMOND 
Well, Mr. Stern? 

ADAM 
{In ragged clothes, embarrassed, hesitating) 
I didn't want to come here — 
(Breaks) 
because it's no use. 

RAYMOND 
(Kindh) 
But you have a grievance ? 

ADAM 
( With greater ease and assurance) 
We hain't got much to hope fer. 

RAYMOND 
(Kindl}) tone) 
How do you manage to live ? 

ADAM 
(Embarrassed, looks about) 
We couldn't hardly call it livin.' 

FRANK 
(Persistentl]f) 
But you are living. 
(Hesitates) 

For instance, you're not hungry now. 

78 



ADAM 
(Hangs head, embarrassed) 
I never tell nobody when I'm hungry. 

FRANK 
(Pressing examination) 
How'd you get your food today ? 

ADAM 
(Resentfully, as if feeling accused) 
I didn't steal. 
(Breaks, rapidly) 
And I didn't beg, either. 

RAYMOND 
(To Adam, sympathetic tone, firmly) 
Come, my man, Professor Payton's friendly, and 
doesn't mean to embarrass you. Answer his question. 

ADAM 

(Forcing n>ords, slowly) 

All I had today, I— I— 

(Drooping head, ashamed) 
got in the bread-line. 

(Rising, not lifting eyes) 

But I don't feel very well — 

(Pauses) 
and I reckon I'll be goin'. 

(Turns around, X*s toward door up L. C.) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, quickly X*s to Adam, puts hand gently on his arm, 
sympathetically) 

What's the matter, Mr. Stern ? 
(Hesitates) 
Tell me if you're hungry . 

ADAM 
(Turning around, facing table, looking up slightly at 
Kathryn) 

79 



I'm no beggar, ma'am. 
(Proudly^, mih effort) 
I'd rather starve than beg. 
(Breaks. Defiantb ^ooks up) 
And I won't steal. 

KATHRYN 
But you're our guest — 
(Persuasively)) 
if you'll let me serve you something to eat, that will not 
be begging. You will let me ? To please me, Mr. Stern ? 

ADAM 

(Shh) 

Yes, ma'am — 
(Hesitates) 
if you put it that way, and — 

(Hesitates) 
you won't say it's beggin'. 

KATHRYN 
(X's to R. 2. rings, X's to Adam, reassuringly) 
Of course it's not begging. Please sit down. 
(Leads him to table.) 

ADAM 
(Sits.) 

KATHRYN 
I'll have something brought right in here, so you can 
hear what's said. 

CHARLES 
(Enters R. 2 with court plasters on his face, covering slight 
wounds inflicted fcj? Sidney.) 

KATHRYN 
(To Charles) 

Charles, fetch some coffee and roast beef and other 
things for Mr. Stern. 

80 



CHARLES 
Yes, ma'am. 
(Exit R.2.) 

KATHRYN 

(Sits) 

Now, father, let's not bother Mr. Stern with questions 
until he gets something to eat. 

RAYMOND 
Very well, daughter. 

KATHRYN 

(With emotion) 

Father, it would make you sad if you knew how many 
thousands of people are in distress like this. I wish you 
could realize, without having to go through it, what the 
bread-line means — how men — honest, strong men, willing 
to work — and women, too — are compelled to humble 
themselves in that way. 

CHARLES 
(Enters R. 2, in one hand a tray of dishes containing food; 
in the other hand a small table.) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X's to C. While X'mg, to Charles) 
Set it right here. 
(Indicates place.) 

CHARLES 
(Sets small table at C. and places frai? upon it.) 

KATHRYN 
That's all, Charles. 

CHARLES 
(Exit R. 2.) 

KATHRYN 
(To Adam) 

Now, Mr. Stern, help yourself. 
(X's to table and sits.) 

81 -^ 



ADAM 
(Takes chair over to small table and sits, looks about, em- 
barrassed, but seeing that nobody is gazing, eats rapidly, vainly 
attempts to conceal his voracity.) 

SIDNEY 
(Enters up L. C, decidedly intoxicated, having on auto top- 
coat, takes handkerchief from top-coat pocket, mops brow, 
and in doing so drops mask to floor behind him, so that it is 
hidden from the view of all except Mabel. Looks about, 
then gazes insolently, first at John, then at Mark and Adam, 
THROUGHOUT THIS ACT SMOKES CIGAR- 
ETTES CONTINUOUSLY,) 

MABEL 
(Looks away from book just in time to see mask f^^^ '" 
floor: nervously looks up, rises quickly* and stealthily picks up 
mask and hides it in her clothing. Sits and again reads.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C) 

SIDNEY 
(Removes top-coat, hands it to Charles.) 

CHARLES 
(Exit,) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises) 

Why, Sidney, where have you been? The committee 
are just about through, and I hoped you would hear them. 

SIDNEY 
(With bleared gaze at Kathryn) 

I get enough of labor and its tales of woe at the office. 
(Breaks contemptuously) 

I thought you went to see one of your Dago friends. 
(Sits,) 

KATHRYN 
(Crushed, sits, sadly) 
Poor little Tony died in my arms. 

(Buries face in hands,) 

82 



RAYMOND 
(Puts hand gentl-^ on Kathrjns head) 
There, daughter. It couldn't be helped. 
{Breaks, with evident purpose of diverting Kathr^ns mind) 
Let us hear some more of Mr. Harding's arguments. 

KATHRYN 
(Lifts head, recovers composure) 
Yes, father — go on, Mr. Harding. 

MARK 
(In Sunda}) clothes, looks at Sidney and coivers before his 
insolent gaze, timidl])) 

I tell you, Mr. Raymond, since the strike and the cut 
in wages, the men at work are not earning enough to keep 
their families — and the idle who need help. 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, angrily^) 
That's a lie, and he knows it. 

RAYMOND 
(Lifting hand to Sidney, suggesting quiet, firmly) 
Just a moment, Sidney ! 
( To Mark, kindly) 
Go on, Mr. Harding, 

SIDNEY 
(Disgusted look and gesture, as if to Wave the committee 
aside, sits by Mabel, lights cigarette.) 

MABEL 
(Smiles, embarrassed,) 

MARK 
(Embarrassed and angered, gives Sidney hard look; tarns 
to Raymond, leans forward) 
No, sir, that's the truth, and I can prove it. 
(Hesitating) 

I don't know just how to tell you. 

83 



(Pauses, lets his epes rvandef about the room, and then 
quickh 'oO'^5 straight at Raymond, sharpl}) and rapidly) 

But among the workmen there's great distress, and 
great anger, too. 

LORD HENRY 
(Lights cigarette, rises, gazes at Mark through monocle, dis- 
misses purpose, sits.) 

SIDNEY 
(Heroically) 

This fellow knows that we're paying more wages than 
we did five years ago. 

(Turns to Mabel and seems to sa}) something.) 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 
How about that, Professor? 

FRANK 
(Rapidh) 

That's undoubtedly true, but it doesn't solve the prob- 
lem, because of the high cost of living, as compared with 
a few years ago. Government statistics show that the 
wages paid today will not buy as much of life's necessities 
as the wages five or ten years ago. 

RAYMOND 
(Doubtfully) 
Have we the statistics in the library? 

FRANK 
Yes. Shall we examine them ? 



RAYMOND 
Suppose we do. I am interested. 
(Rises, X*s to up R.) 
Will the Committee join us ? 

KATHRYN 
Mr. Stern and I will stay while he finishes his dinner. 

84 



I 



FRANK 
(Rises) 

Will Mr. McFall and Mr. Harding come along? 

JOHN AND MARK 
(Rise) 

RAYMOND 1, JOHN 2, MARK 3. AND FRANK 4 
(Exeunt up R.) 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, nonchalantly) 

My lord, Fll shoot you a game of billiards. 
(Clances at Kaihryn, scornfully^) 

If we don't find the billiard room occupied by a lot of 
common people. 

LORD HENRY 
(Rises) 

Very well, Sidney. 

(X's to up L C. To Mabel) 

Will Miss Foss umpire? 

MABEL 
(Rises) 

With pleasure. 
(X's to L. C.) 

MABEL 1, SIDNEY 2, AND LORD HENRY 3 
(Exeunt up L. C.) 

ADAM 
(Having finished his heart}) meal, pushes back from the table, 
more brightl})) 

Thank you, Miss Raymond. 

(Breaks) 

But it wasn't beggin', was it? 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, X*s to R. 2, rings. While X'ing, srveetl}f) 
Certainly not, Mr. Stern. 
(X's to Adam, persuasively) 

8S 



But why shouldn't you beg when you're hungry? 

(Kindlv. firmly) 
It's not disgraceful. 

ADAM 

(Quickb) 
Yes, I think it is. 
{Breaks, hesitates, meditativel};) 
It's bad enough to let my little daughter. 
(Breaks, gentl}), quickb) 
I can't see her starve ; so I must let her beg. 
(Breaks, rapidl})) 
But, mind you, only for herself. 
CHARLES 

(Enters R. 2.) 

KATHRYN 
Charles, remove the table and tray. 

CHARLES 
Yes, Miss Raymond. 
(X*s, gets table and tra}^, exit R. 2.) 

KATHRYN 

(Curiously)) 

Your little daughter! How old is she? 

ADAM 

(Rises, hrightlyf) . , . . r i 

Eleven years old, ma'am,— and a pretty girl m the face ! 

KATHRYN 
(Interestedly^) 

Where is she tonight, Mr. Stern? 
ADAM 

(Sadh) 

She's just a street waif now, ma'am. 
(Breaks) 

I've had so little work since her mother died, a year ago, 
that she must look out for herself. 

86 



KATHRYN 
(Inquiringly) 
Of course she's too young to work ? 

ADAM 
Last winter she had a job making artificial flowers, but 
she could only get about a dollar a week— and the wire 
cut her hands. 

KATHRYN 
(Sympathetically) 
So she quit that work ? 

ADAM 
Yes. 

(Breads, hesitates) 

Then she got a job running an embroidery-cutting 
machine in a sweat-shop ; but she had to tell them she was 
fourteen years old. 

KATHRYN 
(Curiously) 
When she was only eleven ? 

ADAM 
Yes, or they wouldn't let her work — 
(Breaks) 
and she could only make a dollar and a half a week at that. 

(Breads, sadl})) 
Anyhow, she was laid off when summer came. 
(Breaks, meditatively)) 

And now she just sells papers and runs errands and 
begs. That's how she lives, ma'am. 

KATHRYN 
I'm sorry. Please tell your daughter to call and see me 
tomorrow. Now, will you go to the library ? They must 
be ready to go home. 

ADAM 
Yes. 

(X's to up R,) 

I will send my daughter, thank you. 
(Exit.) 

87 



KATHRYN 
(Looks about, X's to up L. C.) 

MABEL 
(Enters up L. C, excitedly) 

Kathryn, dear, Sidney is in no condition to play, and 
he wants you to come and play a game with Lord Henry. 

KATHRYN 
Very well, Mabel. 
(X's to up L. C, exit) 

MABEL 
(X*5 to sofa L. and L. C, sits, takes mask fi'om her cloth- 
ing, examines it, again hides it. Looks about nervously , hoUfs 
her head, buries her face in her hands, as if n>eeping.) 

SIDNEY 
(Enters up L. C, stops on threshold) 
What's the matter, Mabel ? 

MABEL 
Oh, Sidney. 
(Controls herself ivith effort, and rises.) 

SIDNEY 
(Puts finger to lips to indicate silence. Looks about, X's to 
up C, glances under each portiere, again looks about, deliber- 
ately X's to up L., nervously moves sofa from wall, stoops, 
then rises and pushes sofa back.) 

MABEL 
(X's rapidly to Sidney) 
What is it, Sidney? 

SIDNEY^ 
(Pointing behind sofa) 
It's a dictagraph. 
(Deceitfully) 

While you were out we were fooling with it, and we left 
it on. I disconnected it. 

(X's to sofa L. and L. C, indicates seat.) 

88 



I 



MABEL 
(Takes from clothing and holds up mask) 
Sidney ! What's this ? 

SIDNEY 
{Disconceriedly, steps back) 
Where did you get it ? 

MABEL 
(X*s to Sidne\f, with trepidation) 

It dropped from your pocket. What are you doing 
with a disguise? 

SIDNEY 
(Rudely^ snatches mask f^om her hand, puts it in pockety 
embarrassed, deceitfully) 

Why — Mabel — I'm going — it's for — er — a friend of 
mine who is going to a mask ball. 
(Hesitates, seriously) 
Mabel, I must talk with you. 

SIDNEY AND MABEL 

(Sit.) 

MABEL 
(Anxiously) 
What's the trouble ? 

SIDNEY 
(Gravely) 

If father lives till tomorrow night, it's all up with me. 

MABEL 
(Excitedly) 
Why, what do you mean, Sidney ? 

SIDNEY 
(In melancholy) 
I mean he'll change his will. 

MABEL 

And-^ 

8^ 



SIDNEY 
(With resignation, sadl\)) 
Yes. Cut me off. 

MABEL 
Why, Sidney, what makes you think so ? 

SIDNEY 
(Elusively) 

I must not tell you. But I know. 
(Taking MaheVs right hand in both his, courageously)) 
Mabel, I want you to promise me — 
(Hesitates, looJ^s around, vaguel}).) 

MABEL 
(Sympatheticall-^) 
Anything! What? 

SIDNEY 
Father has invited you and others to be here tomorrow 
night. If anything happens to me that — 

MABEL 
(Emotionall'^) 
Don't say that. 

SIDNEY 
(With dogged firmness) 

If Fm not here, and if the old man is still alive, 
promise me that you'll be here. 
(Ominous pause) 
Do you promise ? 

MABEL 
(Pensively^) 
Yes, Sidney! Yes! 

SIDNEY 
(Master iousl\f) 

And keep your nerve, so you can tell me afterwards 
what happened. 

90 



MABEL- 

(Obediently) 
Of course, Sidney. 

(Appealinglyj) 

But can't you tell me what it all means? 

SIDNEY 
(Firmlxf) 
Not now. You promise? 

MABEL 
(Resignedlyj) 
Yes. nibehere. 

LORD HENRY AND KATHRYN 
(Enter up L C) 

SIDNEY AND MABEL 
(Rise.) 

SIDNEY 
(Not feazed. To Lord Henry) 
My lord, I would like to talk with you. 

LORD HENRY 
Certainly. 
(X's to table.) 

KATHRYN 
Come, Mabel. 

KATHRYN AND MABEL 
(Exeunt up L. C.) 

SIDNEY 
(Watches Kathryn and Mabel, X*s quicl(lyf to table, looks 
about, sits.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Sits, curiously) 
What is it, dear boy ? 

SIDNEY 
How did Payton act with the labor committee ? 

91 



LORD HENRY 
(Prosaically) 

Oh, he took their side, of course. 
(Takes from tray and lights cigarette.) 

SIDNEY 

(Ominously, rapidly, agitated) 

We've got to check Pay ton. If we don't break his influ- 
ence at once, father'll change his will, and our plans '11 
be ruined. 

LORD HENRY 
(Curiously) 
How ruined? 

SIDNEY 
(Impressively, slowly) 

I'll have nothing, and Kathryn will have nothing; at 
least not enough worth while for you. 

LORD HENRY 
Are you serious ? 

SIDNEY 
> Impossible to be more so. Father seems under Payton's 
hypnotic spell, and Kathryn is becoming too much inter- 
ested in him. 

LORD HENRY 
What can we do? 

SIDNEY 
We've got to humiliate Payton — make Kathryn 
ashamed of him. 

LORD HENRY 
Quite so. But how? 

SIDNEY 
When they come in, we must drift the conversation to 
Payton's favorite subject — competition; then shatter his 
arguments. 

LORD HENRY 
But, my dear old chap, as a guest, it would be improper 
for me to come down on him. 

92 



SIDNEY 
You wouldn't want to marry Kathryn if she had no 
money, would you ? 

LORD HENRY 
(Try^ing to appear indifferent) 
Really — of course I like money, here and there. 

SIDNEY 

You won't have to do so much. You lead Pay ton out, 
and — 

(Rises, struts, X's to L. C, turns, faces Lord Henr]}, con^ 
ceitedly) 
I'll smash his arguments. Will you do it? 

(X's to table, sits.) 

LORD HENRY 
I suppose I'm let in for it. I'll very well try. 

FRANK 
(Enters up R,) 

SIDNEY 
Mr. Payton, I've had enough of your butting in. 

FRANK 
(X's to L. and L. C, indiffermtl})) 
What's on your mind ? 
(Firmly)) 
Out with it ! 
(Sits.) 

SIDNEY 
(Quarrelsome) 

Your harebrained doctrines are stirring up class 
hatred. 

FRANK 
No. It's your contempt for sound doctrine. 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, X's to Frank, angrily) 
Y'ou're inciting the labor men to trouble. 

93 



LORD HENRY 
(Rises, X*s toward Frank, pcmpousl))) 
In my country, the better classes would call you a 
bloomin' agitator. 

FRANK 
Then I'm sorry for your better classes. 

SIDNEY 
{Shades fist at Frank* Tvlik bluster) 
Take a tip from me — stop it. 

FRANK 

(Rises, formidably)) 

See here, Sidney. Haven't you learned yet that it's not 
yours to command ? I teach and lecture according to my 
convictions. 

SIDNEY AND LORD HENRY 
(Come up close to Frank* as if attempting to bull}f him.) 

SIDNEY 
You meddle in people's business! You've got father 
all worked up with your competition scheme and senti- 
mental theories ! 

FRANK 
(Ironically)) 
Your father is a big man ! 

SIDNEY 
(With bluster) 

I'll fix you so you won't bother him — or anybody else. 
(Braggadocio) 
You'll find out that I— 

RAYMOND 
(Enters up R. To Sidne})) 

I'm sorry you didn't hear the rest of the discussion. 
(X's to table, sits.) 

94 



J 



SIDNEY 
(Sits, To Frank, insultingly) 

I suppose you commanded father to re-employ the Idle 
and restore the wage scale. 

FRANK 
(X's to table, sits) 

I did suggest that such action would give temporary 
relief. 

SIDNEY 
(Scowls at Frank' To Raymond) 

Father, the reduction of wages is netting us an in- 
creased profit of one thousand dollars a day. 

LORD HENRY 
(Sits by Sidney. Enthusiastically) 
Wonderful ! 

SIDNEY 
If you want to cut down our profits, go ahead. 

RAYMOND 
(Impatiently) 

My son, we're not discussing the ledger now. 
(7^0 Frank, meditating) 

You say temporary relief. Isn't that as far as we 
can go? 

SIDNEY 

(To Raymond, contemptuously) 

Professor Payton would have you give work to every 
loafer in the country, and then, by some magic, bring 
about competition. 

FRANK 
(To Sidney) 

Complete social justice will not come until we do restore 
competition. 

LORD HENRY 
(To Frank, disgusted) 

Really, that suggests such unpleasant situations. 

95 



KATHRYN 
(Enters up L. C, X*s to table, sits.) 

FRANK 
(To Kathr\)n, smiling) 
On our favorite topic. 
(To Ra\)mond) 

Competition will assure plenty of work for all, and 
adjust prices to the wage conditions. 

SIDNEY 
Putting more people to work will raise prices, by in- 
creasing the demand for necessities. 

FRANK 
(To Sidney^) 

The supply would then keep pace with the demand. 
(To Ray^mond) 
You heard what the committee said. 

KATHRYN 
(Animated) 

Yes, father, and I know they're right. The consumer 
pays a dollar for what brings the grower or producer from 
twenty to fifty cents. 

RAYMOND 
Who gets that big profit — the retailers ? 

FRANK 
No. Their profit is modest. It's the trusts and middle- 
men, with their gentlemen's agreement, based on co- 
operation. 

SIDNEY 
You can't rise above the law of supply and demand. 
If there's a limited supply, the prices will be higher. 

LORD HENRY 
Quite right. It's the same over in London ! 

FRANK 
(Ignoring Lord Henry, To Sidney) 

But they limit their purchase. 

96 



KATHRYN 
(To Rax^mond) 

And the shame of it is, they force farmers to let fruit 
and vegetables rot when the poor need them. 

RAYMOND 
How can they work that game? 

FRANK 
Simply by agreeing among themselves as to how much 
they will purchase ; then they can offer their own price. 

RAYMOND 

How do they manage to make their large profits ? 

FRANK 
They agree to let one another alone ; and then they fix 
the selling price. 

RAYMOND 
You also claim that competition would assure plenty 
of work for all ? 

FRANK 
Yes. The laborers know that a quarter of your mills 
are shut down, but they don't know why. 

SIDNEY 
It's none of their business ! 

LORD HENRY 
There you are ! Professor Payton seems a bit tangled ! 

FRANK 
(Throws freezing glance at Lord Henry and Sidney. To 
Raymond) 

The manufacturers defeat the law of supply and de- 
mand precisely as the middlemen do ; they employ only a 
part of the labor, and thus force laborers to bid one 
another dovv n ; and they manufacture less than is really 
needed, thus forcing up the price to purchasers. 

KATHRYN 
(Enthusiastically) 

Father, Professor Payton has worked out a formula to 
solve the problem of social justice and the cost of living. 



RAYMOND 
{To Frank) 
Do you think it feasible ? 

FRANK 
With money enough, yes. You could restore and main- 
tain scientific competition. That will cure the evils of 
inequality. 

SIDNEY 
Bah ! Co-operation has been touted as the panacea for 
social ills. 

FRANK 
Co-operative guilds and societies have worked, and are 
working, for good, particularly in Europe and Asia. But 
the trusts have perverted co-operation and used it as a 
basis to stifle competition, freeze out competitors and then 
shoot prices sky-high. 

SIDNEY 
(Contemptuously) 

You'd go back to the cut-throat method of competition ? 
Not for mine ! 

FRANK 
(To Sidne})) 

The cut-throat method, as you term it, was the excep- 
tion, and when it occurred, but few were hurt, and the 
many got the benefit. Co-operation cuts the throats of 
the many, and the few get the benefit. Ruinous competi- 
tion is inspired only by the hope of supremacy and 
monopoly-control — so as to get rid of competition. That 
will cease when merchants come to understand that com- 
petition is permanent. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank* eagerl})) 
Outline your formula. 

FRANK 
(To Raymond) 

Let us assume that you had created a foundation, ei 
dowing it with one hundred millions of dollars. 

98 



SIDNEY 
(Rises, scornfully^) 

Assume he'd chuck in half his fortune? Why don't 
you assume that father has gone crazy ? 

RAYMOND 
(To Sidne})) 

Professor Payton is only supposing. 

SIDNEY 
(Disdainfully)) 

It's easy to figure out how to spend other people's 
money. ^ ^ 

(Sits.) 

FRANK 
(To Raymond) 

Your corporation could go into the commission business 
and give a fair profit to the farmer, and then sell direct 
to the |:etailer to supply the consumer at a reasonable 
price. Ihen all commission merchants would be forced 
to do the same. 

SIDNEY 
(Quickh) 

That would be unfair, for it would drive the honest 
commission merchants to the wall. 

FRANK 
No. The by-laws of the corporation provide that it 
shall make a fair profit, and withdraw from the field 
when the abuse shall have ceased. 

SIDNEY 
(Sarcastically^) 

Then your great plan resolves itself into an immense 
commission house. 

FRANK 
The corporation is free to take up any other line of 
business— agriculture, commerce, transportation or bank- 
ing—where a trust or monopoly is exploiting and robbine- 
the public. ^ 

99 



LORD HENRY 
(Rises, X's to table; while X'ing, to Frank* importantly) 
I undertake that if your foundation is to go it on a 

large scale in every business, you'd need many times a 

hundred millions. 
(Sits.) 

FRANK 
It would be unnecessary for the corporation to go into 
many lines at all, or to stay in any one line very long. 
Like a powerful navy, the very fact of its standing 
ready to put down wrongful conduct would take the 
place of doing it. Besides, there will be many times a 
hundred millions; for if some rich man takes that 
humanitarian step, many others will emulate him. 

KATHRYN 
(To Raymond) 

Professor Payton's idea is that the Government will 
finally do it. 

FRANK 
That would be the ideal plan. 

LORD HENRY 

That's your trouble over here now. Your Government 
interferes too much with vested rights. 

FRANK 
On the contrary, we have been too lenient toward 

vested wrongs. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

Should the Government compete with private entei^ 
prise ? 

FRANK 
The Government bought and sold rice in the Philip- 
pines, to break the monopoly and cut down extortionate 
prices. 

RAYMOND 
Probably done to prevent revolt among the natives. 

100 



I 



FRANK 
True. But it proved the right and the power of Gov- 
ernment competition. 

RAYMOND 
It's different when it comes to governing a colony. 

FRANK 

It shouldn't be. 

(Breaks, vehemently;) 

The Parcel Post was made necessary here at home by 
co-operative extortion of the express companies. The 
cement case is another illustration of the power of Gov- 
ernment competition. 

RAYMOND 
I don't believe I know about it. 

FRANK 
The Government manufactured its own cement to build 
the Roosevelt Dam. 

RAYMOND 
Why? 

FRANK 
Because the manufacturers evidently pooled their bids. 
The Government made a profit of six hundred thousand 
dollars. 

RAYMOND 
Wouldn't such practice cause many to depend solely 
upon the Government, and tend to pauperize the people? 

LORD HENRY 
(To Frank f disgustedly;) 
The more you help the vagrants, the more they want. 

SIDNEY 
(To Lord Henry;, leaning back, complacently;) 
Beggars would ride the Government horse to the devil ! 

KATHRYN 
(To Lord Henry;, good-naturedly) 

The special privileges enjoyed by the rich have not 
stunted them. 

101 



FRANK 
Help by the Government or the individual, which gives 
only what is justly deserved, should not be confused with 
outright giving. It is more helpful than endowing public 
institutions. It is charity with no pauperizing tendency. 

RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

An unpatriotic President could perpetuate his admin- 
istration — and become a dictator. 

FRANK 
It is the pride of America that we never have an un- 
patriotic President. 

RAYMOND 
No man should be tempted too far. 

FRANK 
The fear of corrupt use of Government patronage has 
been exaggerated — in fact, has been masqueraded — as a 
ghost to frighten the common people. 

RAYMOND 
Caution should attend new ventures. 

FRANK 
The glory of America rests upon new ventures. The 
army of faithful Post Office employees have never been 
corrupted ; but the trusts and monopolies have controlled 
elections. 

SIDNEY 
{To Frank, facetiously) 

Professor, you're a dreamer ! We shall see no millen- 
nium on earth ! 

FRANK 
iQuletlyf) 

No, but we shall see the end of slavery; and the ex- 
ploitation of one class of people by another, for unfair 
gain is slavery. 

102 



KATHRYN 
Professor Payton's formula would give everybody a 
chance. 

SIDNEY 
It wouldn't make people cease to be selfish. 

FRANK 
Competition would make it natural and popular for 
selfish men to do justice — to be institutional — to play 
fair — 

LORD HENRY 
(Interrupting) 
How can you expect selfish men to play fair ? 

FRANK 
Because fair play, under competition, is to the advan- 
tage of the selfish man. 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
A gentleman to see Lord Henry. 
(Extends tra^ to Lord Henr^.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Taf^es card and loo\s puzzled) 
Oh — well, I say ! 
(To Raymond) 

It's my solicitor. Why should I be bothered ? 
(To Charles) 
I'll see him at his office tomorrow afternoon. 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L C) 

SIDNEY 
(Rises, importantly)) 

After all, it comes to this : Professor Payton would do 
away with co-operation, which means friendship, and sub- 
stitute the old-style competition, which means war. 

103 



f-RANK 
Co-operation means friendship of the kind referred to a^ 
*'honor among thieves" — a fair division of spoils derived 
from the secret, unholy plotting in merchandise that 
affects the health and the very life of the people. 

SIDNEY 
(Contemptuously) 

What*s competition but plotting? 
(Sits.) 

FRANK 
Competition means open and above-board contest. 

SIDNEY 
Competition makes merchants cheat each other. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, gestures hv pointing finger at Sidney, in p/ajj/u/ 
manner) 

Co-operation makes merchants cheat everybody else. 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C, mth paper on ira^, hands to Lord Henry) 
The gentleman says tomorrow will be too late. He is 
waiting. 

LORD HENRY 
(Takes paper, looks at it. To Raymond) 
Oh, yes. I remember now — it's a botherin' bit of busi- 
ness. I was to sign it today, but it quite escaped me. 
(Rises, sighs) 
I suppose I must. 
(Looks about.) 

RAYMOND 
Will you see him in the library? 

LORD HENRY 
Thanks, awfully. 

RAYMOND 
Charles, show the gentleman to the library. 

104 



CHARLES 
(Exit up L. C.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Glances at paper) 

Oh, I say ! Sidney, old chap, if it won't trouble you too 
much, would you witness my signing? 

SIDNEY 
(Rises) 

Certainly. 

SIDNEY AND LORD HENRY 
(Exeunt up R.) 

KATHRYN 
(To Ra}fmond) 

I'll run up and see how Mabel is feeling. 
(Exit up L CO 

RAYMOND 
Your formula interests me — ^but of course only as a 
theory. 

FRANK 
I hoped you would do it. 

RAYMOND 
Do what ? 

FRANK 
Finance the plan. 

RAYMOND 
With one hundred million dollars ? 

FRANK 
Yes. 

RAYMOND 
Impossible ! 

FRANK 
Not impossible for you — and wonderfully proper. 

105 



RAYMOND 

I never supposed you were serious — only thougiit you 
were working on a beautiful idea — suitable for books, or 
the stage. My first duty is to my children. 

FRANK 

You could use for this cause one hundred million, and 
still have enough left for them. Yes, use one hundred and 
fifty million — yes, one hundred and ninety-nine million, 
and still leave your children one million dollars — 

(Emphatically)) 
which is more than they need. 

RAYMOND 
Not for their purposes. Sidney is ambitious to make a 
great name in the financial world. And when Kathryn 
marries Lord Henry, she will need a very large fortune to 
maintain the estates and sustain her rank. 

FRANK 
That would never make her happy. And as for 
Sidney, you don't know him. He's ungrateful, — and, I 
believe, unworthy. 

RAYMOND 
Have a care! You go too far! I have always en- 
couraged your independent views, but when you venture 
to instruct me about my son and daughter — 

(Represses strong emotion) 
well, it's impertinent ! 

FRANK 
(Rkesy earnestly) 

You should regard this plan as the greatest oppor- 
tunity, and the greatest piece of business of your illus- 
trious career. 

RAYMOND 
I am almost convinced that it would be a good thing 
for the Government to finance your formula. 

FRANK 
You owe it to your country, as a patriotic duty, to 
execute the plan, as an example to the Government. 

106 



RAYMOND 
Owe it? 

FRANK 
Yes. 

{Pauses a couple of moments) 

If war broke out, and my country needed me, do you 
think I would hesitate ? 

RAYMOND 
But you have no family. 

FRANK 
If I had, it would make the sacrifice the more glorious. 
Above my family, above myself, above everything, I would 
defend the flag. 

RAYMOND 
Such sacrifice is rare. 

FRANK 

History contradicts you. Look at the thousands upon 
thousands of fathers who have responded — not merely 
with money — but, cheerfully, with their lives. 

(Breaks^ in deep thought) 

Mr. Raymond, by using the greater part of your for- 
tune in this plan, and without impoverishing your chil- 
dren, you might prevent a similar sacrifice of another 
hundred thousand fathers. 

RAYMOND 
How do you mean ? 

FRANK 
By averting a most terrible industrial war. 

RAYMOND 
Class hatred ! 

FRANK 
Yes. But the poor prefer not to hate the rich ; they like 
to look up to them. The rich despise the poor, and the 
poor know it. That's the class hatred. 

RAYMOND 
You threaten revolution. 

107 



FRANK 
No! 

(With sadness) 
I merely read the signs. 

(Quickb) 

And you have the power, if you have the heart, to 
avert it. What a noble service to your country — to the 
world ! 

(Pauses, X's quic^l^ half n>a^ to portrait^ points vigor- 
oasl^) 

Ah ! Mr. Raymond, I have it from you that your 
sainted father taught you that the greatest source of 
pleasure is in serving your fellow-men. 

RAYMOND 
But he left his money to me — his son. 

FRANK 
He had not piled up more than a reasonable amount, 
and he trained you to work. You have trained Sidney to 
idleness ; you have taught him to think that he has already 
won in the battle of life. 

RAYMOND 
I wanted to save him from hardship. 

FRANK 
(X*ing to table) 

Would you train an athlete by having him avoid exer- 
cise, and by telling him he would win without competing? 

(ShaJ^es head) 
In training Sidney for the Human Handicap, you have 
disqualified him by over-petting and over-feeding. You 
have unfitted him for the strife that really makes men. 
Like the average over-rich man's son, Sidney is skilled in 
but one thing — the art of avoiding work, and in looking 
upon work with contempt. His mind has become the 
devil's workshop. The answer is overbearing manners, 
dissipation, gambling — 

(Pauses, droops head, sadly) 
and maybe crime. 

108 



RAYMOND 
(IrD^oluntaril}) ihrows up hands, as if to T^ard off blon^) 
Professor ! There are exceptions. 

FRANK 
But I fear Sidney is not an exception. 

RAYMOND 
(Ironically) 

Nevertheless, I suppose I shall be selfish enough to 
leave my fortune mainly to my children. 

FRANK 
I appeal to your selfishness. You have a chance to do 
something for humanity, which would give you and your 
children more happiness than you or they could have if 
you omit doing it ; for such is the law of compensation. 

RAYMOND 
You've made money, Professor — done pretty well, 
haven't you ? 

FRANK 
(Sits) 

I have fifteen hundred dollars in bank, which is all in 
the world I can call my own. 

RAYMOND 
I thought you made quite a stake in Wall Street ? 

FRANK 
I gained exactly fifty thousand dollars in the campaign 
which you put me in. 

RAYMOND 
(Laughs, demively) 

And lost it, because you thought you were smart enough 
to play the game without my skill. 

FRANK 
No, I didn't lose it. But I have wished a thousand 
times I could give it back to the people from whom it 
came. 

109 



RAYMOND 
It came from me, didn't it ? 

FRANK 
No. You only showed me how to take it away from 
others. 

RAYMOND 
I thought you'd appreciate the favor. 

FRANK 
I did appreciate the fact that you wanted to please me. 
But to make me smile, you were willing to make many 
others weep. 

RAYMOND 
It was nothing more than business. The people in- 
vested — and — well, they lost. 

FRANK 
You call it business. 
(Looking up with steady gaze) 

Oh, business! What magic in that name — what a 
beautiful, many-colored cloak to hide crime ! 

(Looks straight at Ra^mondt quickh) 

I call it a game — with loaded dice, marked cards, or 
what you will. 

(Shaking head) 

The people don't have a chance. 

RAYMOND 
(Laughs, cy^nicall^) 

In your dragnet for criminals, you catch about all the 
rich, respectable men in America. 

FRANK 
No. The men higher up in the game are few. 
(Takes check ftom pocket, hands to Raymond) 
Here is a check for fifty thousand dollars. 

RAYMOND 

(Looks at checks puts it in Frank^s hand) 

Nonsense ! 

110 



FRANK 
Take it, and include it in the foundation for the formula. 

RAYMOND 
I haven't decided to create the foundation. 

FRANK 
But having come to realize its benefits, you will decide. 
You will do it. Mr. Raymond, you are less entitled to 
keep your millions from the people who gave it to you 
than I am my thousands. Your great ganglia of banks, 
with their interlocking directorates, like a mammoth 
octopus, reach their tentacles into every minute crevice of 
every business, and flash back to headquarters the trade 
conditions and the monopolistic possibilities. You then 
finance this merger and that ; this Wall Street manipula- 
tion and that; this stock jobbery and that. Why, Mr. 
Raymond, while I was making my fifty thousand dollars, 
how much did you make out of that one manipulation? 

RAYMOND 
Well, well, I think our banks cleaned up something like 
thirty millions in that deal. 

FRANK 
If we could find the very people who gave it to us, we 
ought to give it back to them. Since we can't, let us put 
it to the use of all the people. 

LORD HENRY AND SIDNEY 
(Enter up R.) 

SIDNEY 
(X's to sofa L. and L. C. To Frank) 
One thing you entirely overlooked — co-operation pro- 
duces administrative economies and prevents waste. 

FRANK 
{Puts check in pocket. Rises, X's to Sidne]); while X'ing) 
And the few get the benefit of the saving. 

Ill 



LORD HENRY 

(X*5 io table. To Frank) 

Bless you, it's your bloomin' protective tariff that causes 
your trusts and monopolies over here. Let your Govern- 
ment stop that ! 

FRANK 

The Government should either control, or force com- 
petition, in all cases of monopoly — whether it be caused 
by tariff, by secret trade agreements, or by the damnable 
money trust. 

SIDNEY 

Competition keeps business men constantly in a 
struggle. 

FRANK 

But it's the wholesome kind of struggle. Co-operation 
produces the sham battles among the giants, who are 
careful not to hurt one another. When I was a boy, about 
the most contemptible thing I knew of was for two or 
more contractors to enter into a secret understanding as 
to who should put in the winning bid. Such cases were 
rare, but now, amidst our orgy of co-operation, that is the 
customary method of controlling all our industries, and 
all our necessities of life — to the disgrace of American 
manhood. 

SIDNEY 
In business, as in love and war, all things are fair. 

FRANK 
(7^0 Sidney) 

It isn't fair to pretend competition where there is none. 
No true sport will throw a game for a share in the gate 
receipts. 

SIDNEY 

Some will always get more than others, and we'll always 
have loafers and beggars. 

112 



FRANK 
Without a doubt! I'm not pleading for the dishonest 
or the indolent — either rich or poor. 
(To Ra}fmond) 

But all should have a chance. Then we should see 
fewer idlers — both rich and poor — and fewer paupers and 
criminals. When we boast the splendor and prosperity of 
our civilization, that boast should come not merely from 
the throats of the sordid plutocrats ; but, in a chorus, from 
the ninety million Americans. 

KATHRYN 
(Enters up L. C, X's lo table.) 

FRANK 
(ToKathryn) 
I think I must be going. 

RAYMOND 
(Rises, putting hand on Frank's shoulder, admiringly^) 
If I should decide to finance this plan, you shall have 
the credit. We'll call it the Payton Formula. 

KATKRYN 
Bravo ! 

MABEL 
(Enters up L. C, X's to Sidne\).) 

LORD HENRY 
(To Ray^mond) 
A very enjoyable evening, Mr. Raymond ! 

KATHRYN 
(To Lord Henr))) 

My lord, must you go? I'll send you to your hotel in 
my car. 

LORD HENRY 
Thank you, Miss Raymond! 

KATHRYN 
(X's to R. 2., rings, X's to table, jokingly) 
I'll send you home, too, Professor. 

113 



FRANK 
Three blocks ? I think I could stand that walk. 

KATHRYN 
{Has brtlUant idea) 

Suppose you and I take Lord Henry home ? I'd like a 
ride in the air. 

LORD HENRY 
Delighted ! 

FRANK 
Fine! 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 

KATHRYN 
Charles, send my car 1 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L C.) 

RAYMOND 
Lord Henry, will you excuse me ? 
(To Mabel) 
And you, Mabel ? 
(To Frank) 

Professor, I'd like a word with you and Kathryn in the 
library. 

RAYMOND 1, KATHRYN 2. FRANK 3 
(Exeunt up R.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Exit up L. C.) 

SIDNEY 
(To MabeL excitedly^) 

Mabel, we'll wait till the others are gone, and then 
start, as if I were taking you home; but I want you to 
go alone. 

MABEL 

Why? 

114 



SIDNEY 
Please don't ask me why. Remember your promise for 

tomorrow night, and do as I wish. 

MABEL 
(Meekh) 
All right, Sidney. 

(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE OUTSIDE COMING 
TO STOP.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C.) 
Miss Raymond's car ! 

SIDNEY 
Please order my car! 

CHARLES 
Yes, sir. 
(Exit up L. C.) 

RAYMOND 1, KATHRYN 2, FRANK 3 
(Enter up R.) 

SIDNEY 
Kathryn, your car is waiting. 

KATHRYN 
Very well. 
(Kisses Raymond) 
Good-night, father ! 

RAYMOND 
I'll be up when you return. I'm going to read a while. 
(X's to table.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Enters up L. C, X's to table, shades hands mih /?ap- 
mond) 

Good-night, Mr. Raymond ! 

RAYMOND 
My lord, don't forget tomorrow night. 

US 



LORD HENRY 
( To Sidney and Mabel) 

Good-night ! 

SIDNEY AND MABEL 
(Bonj.) 

FRANK 
(X's to table, shal^es hands with Raymond) 
See you tomorrow night, Mr. Raymond. 

RAYMOND 
Yes, Professor. 

FRANK 
(BoTvs to Sidne}) and Mabel) 

KATHRYN 
(To Mabel) 

Shall you remain a while ? 

MABEL 
No. I'm going soon. Good-night, Kathryn, dear ! 

LORD HENRY 1, FRANK 2, KATHRYN 3 
(Exeunt up L. C.) 

(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE DEPARTING. FOL- 
LOWED BY SOUND OF ANOTHER AUTOMO- 
BILE COMING TO STOP.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C. To Sidney) 
Your car! 

RAYMOND 
Charles, please go to the library and fetch Emerson's 
Essay on Compensation. You'll find it on shelf three, 
section F. 

CHARLES 
(Nods obedience, exit up R,) 
116 



MABEL 
(X*5 to Ray^mond, shades hands) 
Good-night, Mr. Raymond ! 

RAYMOND 
(To Mabel) 
Kathryn told you about tomorrow night? 

MABEL 
Yes, Mr. Raymond. I shall be here. 
(Exit up L, C.) 

SIDNEY 
(7*0 Raymond) 

You're not going to do such a foolish thing as to put 
half your fortune into Payton's wild scheme ? 

RAYMOND 
My boy, so long as I believe you are grateful, you may 
safely trust me to look out for your interests. 

SIDNEY 
Thank you, Dad. 
{Exit up L. C.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up R., hands hook to Ra}fmond.) 

RAYMOND 
See if my secretary has typewritten this evening's dicta- 
graph records. 

CHARLES 
(Exit L 2.) 

RAYMOND 
(X*s to up C close portieres, X*s to up L. C, turns off 
lights, except reading-light at table.) 

(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE DEPARTING.) 

RAYMOND 
(X*s to table, stands a /en> seconds meditating, sits, facing 
down, picks up volume, turns a /eii» leaves, reads) 

117 



"If the gatherer gathers too much, Nature takes out of 
the man what she puts into his chest; swells the estate, 
but kills the owner. Nature hates monopolies and 
exceptions." 

(Slon}l]) turning a few more leaves, glancing over each page, 
again reads) 

"If you put a chain around the neck of a slave, the 
other end fastens itself around your own." 

(Turning a ferv more leaves, and glancing at pages, again 
reads) 

"Treat men as pawns and ninepins, and you shall suffer 
as well as they." 

CHARLES 

(Enters L, 2, X*s to table, hands ty^petvritten paper to 
Raymond) 

The secretary says that's all that was recorded. The 
dictagraph stopped soon after dinner. 
(Exit up R.) 

RAYMOND 

(Looks through ty^peivritten record, reads aloud) 

"And seems worried." 

(Pauses) 

"Do you think Kathryn suspected that the certain event 
was your father's death ?" 

(Starts) 

"But she could only guess." 

(Pauses) 

"I want to be the first billionaire." 

(Turns through more pages, shakes his head, meditates, 
again reads) 

"I know his will is all right; but unless something 
happens to him soon, he'll — " 

(Starts violently), pauses, controls himself, looks through 
other pages slowl]) to the end, rises, la^s paper on table, slaps 
his hand on it, looks about the room, sits, looks about, medi- 
tates, picks up volume, glances at it, shoivs signs of drowsiness.) 

118 



SIDNEY 
(Appears at door up L. C, stealthily peeps irtt disappears.) 

RAYMOND 
(Turns off reading-light, falls asleep, drops hook-) 

(LIGHTS OUT IN THEATRE, EXCEPT 
SPOT ON RAYMOND. SPOT LIGHT 
GRADUALLY DIMMED.) (Fades awayj,) 

(FILM CURTAIN.) 

RAYMOND'S DREAM. 
Scene I — Same as Act III. 
(Portieres up C. parted.) 

RAYMOND 
(Sitting at table, asleep.) 

GHOST 
(Walks out of portrait frame, lifts hand.) (Cut in) 
"My son, let your conscience awaken.'* 

RAYMOND 
(Winces.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"Think upon the poor and unfortunate." 



Scene II — Market-place. 

Throngs of poor ragged people examining 
vegetables and fruits. 

RAYMOND 
(Looking on.) 

GHOST 
(Looking on, points.) Cut in) 

"The poor can scarcely buy enough food to live. Price 
too high." 

119 



WOMAN 

(CLOSE VIEW.) 
(Picks up head of cauliflon>er, presses it to her bosom lov- 
ingl]ft holds it out at arm*s length, la])s it donfn again on mar- 
ket table, Tpalks away.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"Cauliflower retailing at twenty cents a head, or five 
dollars per barrel. The grower gets fifty cents per barrel ; 
middlemen four dollars and a half." 

WOMAN 

(CLOSE VIEW.) 
(Picks up apple, holds out to market man, asking price.) 

MARKET MAN 
(Gestures, quoting price.) 

WOMAN 
(Shakes head sadly, lays down apple.) 

GHOST 

(Cut in) 

"Apples five cents apiece, or five dollars a bushel. The 
grower gets eighty cents ; middlemen four dollars and 
twenty cents." 

RAYMOND 
(Hides face with arm. ) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 
"In greater or less degree, true of all food products." 



Scene III — Market scene. 

GHOST AND RAYMOND 
(In foreground to left,) 

THREE MEN 
(In foreground to right; fat, sleek-looking; well-dressed, 
silk hats, and laden with jewelry, laughing, and, apparently, 
exteremely happy.) 

120 



GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"These three are trust magnates and middlemen. They 
know what causes the high cost of living; they are the 
toll-gatherers." 



Scene IV — Happy family. 

STEVE 
(A Ti> or kman) 

MARY 
(His rvife.) 

LITTLE SON AND DAUGHTER 

ALL 
(At table, eatnig <^mner) 



Scene . V — Scene of a strike. 

GHOST AND RAYMOND 
(In foreground.) 

STRIKERS AND STRIKE-BREAKERS 
(Fighting.) 

WOMEN AND CHILDREN 
(Mingling in the fra^.) 



Scene VI— Laid off. 

PLACARD ON FACTORY 
(Cut in) 
"No strikers will be taken back." 

CROWD OF WORKMEN 
(Reading placard.) 

121 



Scene VII — The retreat. 

WORKMEN 
(Sadl^ rvalfcing an>a}f from work-) 

STEVE 
(In foreground.) 



Scene VIII, same as Scene IV — Hope gone 

STEVE 
(Has iaJ^en sick fTom morr^,) 

LANDLORD'S AGENT 
(Ejecting Steve and family.) 



Scene IX — Steve's son neglected. 

STEVE'S SON 
(Selling papers on street, has become tough — fighting n>ith 
other street waifs.) 



Scene X — Room in a tenement. 

No furniture except three soap-boxes. 

MARY, SON AND DAUGHTER 
(All ragged.) 

GHOST AND RAYMOND 
(Enter.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"Here is a specimen of the wretched poor." 

RAYMOND 
(Hands coin to Mar^.) 

122 



MARY 
(BoTi}s gratefully, hands coin to son.) 

SON 
(Rushes out) 

MARY 
(Adjusts fipo soap'boxeSt Jvipes them off with her apron, 
indicates seats to Ghost and Raymond.) 

GHOST 
(Makes gesture, declining,) 

SON 
(Enters, rvith loaf of bread.) 

MARY 
(Takes loaf, breaks off chunks of bread and hands them to 
son and daughter,) 

MARY, SON AND DAUGHTER 
(Eat voraciously.) 



Scene XI — Bread-line on street. 

GHOST AND RAYMOND 
(Watching from foreground.) 

MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN 
(A line, haggard, crippled, sickh ^"^ ragged, taking their 
portions in turn.) 

STEVE 
(In foreground.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

*'My son, you could prevent much of this suffering." 



Scene Xll-^Sweat-shop. 



Street beside building-. 
123 



GHOST AND RAYMOND 
{Standing at outer door.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"You must visit a sweat-shop." 



Scene XIII — Interior of sweat-shop. 

WOMEN AND GIRLS 
(Toiling rvith needle; some at semng-machinest others work- 
ing by hand,) 

MARY 
(In foreground,) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"From two to seven dollars a week. Early morning till 
late night. Sanitary conditions poor." 



Scene XIV — Opium joint. 

VICTIMS 
(Some sleeping, some smol(ing the pipe, some in the act of 
talking hypodermic injections.) 

STEVE 
(In foreground,) 

GHOST AND RAYMOND 
(Looking on from foreground.) 

GHOST 
(Cut in) 

"The last stage of the underworld. Criminals of ever] 
class, and the victims unwittingly duped." 

124 



Scene XV — Sidney's club. 

GROUP OF MEN 
(Well dressed.) 

SIDNEY 
(Pouring champagne, already intoxicated.) 

ALL 
(Lift glasses, drinl^ and carouse.) 
(Fades awa^ to 

Scene XVI — Same as Scene I. 

RAYMOND 
(Sitting at table asle?p.) 

GHOST 
(Walks back into portrait frame.) 

(FADES AWAY.) 

(FILM CURTAIN RISES.) 

(SPOT LIGHT ON RAYMOND.) 

RAYMOND 
(Slightly rouses, turns on reading-light, again drops off to 
sleep.) 

SIDNEY 
(With top-coat on, stealthily^ X's to up C, looks behind 
portieres, stands in front of them, takes from pocket mask, 
consisting of n>ig, with rough false beard, all one piece, puts on 
over head; in loud, harsh, disguised tone) 
Raymond ! Don't be a fool ! 

RAYMOND 
(Starts.) 

SIDNEY 
You have been deceived. There is no voice from the 
other world! 

RAYMOND 
(Straightens up, gazes into nothingness.) 

125 



SIDNEY 
You are a practical man. Beware of the advice of 
sentimentalists. 

RAYMOND 
{Rises) 
How strange ! 

SIDNEY 
Strange ? No ! Be just to your own children, your own 
flesh and — 

RAYMOND 
(Turns about, faces Sidney, throia^s hands in air) 
Oh, horrors ! 
(Drops to chair t sivoons.) 

(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE OUTSIDE COMING 
TO STOP.) 

SIDNEY 
(Hides behind portieres.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters R. 2» X's to up L. C, turns on light, rushes to 
Raymondy greatly excited.) 

(SOUND OF DOOR CLOSING UP L. C.) 

FRANK AND KATHRYN 
(Heard talking in entrance off up L. C.) 

KATHRYN 
Thank you so much, Professor ! 

CHARLES 
(X*s rapidl}) to up L. C, excitedly^) 
Miss Raymond ! Miss Raymond ! Your father ! 

FRANK AND KATHRYN 
(Enter quickh "P ^- G.) 

KATHRYN 
(X's quickh ^0 Ray^mond, takes hold of him) 
Father ! 
(To Charles) 

The medicine-case and some water. Quick ! 

126 



M 



CHARLES 
(Exit R, 2.) 

FRANK 
(X's rapidly to Raymond, takes hold of Raymond's wrist to 
feel his pulse, looks about.) 

KATHRYN 
Father has been troubled so much lately with his heart. 

FRANK 
His pulse is not bad. He's coming around. 

CHARLES 
(Enterst with medicine-case and glass of water.) 

KATHRYN 
(Opens case quickh, takes tablet from bottle, puts tablet to 
Ray^mond's mouth) 

Here, father, this will help you. 

RAYMOND 
(Swallows tablet.) 

KATHRYN 
(Takes glass from Charles, gives Ra'^mond sip of water.) 

RAYMOND 
(Somewhat revived.) 

KATHRYN 
Oh, father ! You're all right now, aren't you? 

RAYMOND 
(Bewildered, looks about) 
You, Kathryn? 

KATHRYN 
Yes, father. What's the matter ? 
(Sits.) 

RAYMOND 
(Entirely revived) 

I was dreaming of my father, and I heard a terrible 
voice. 

127 



{Pointing to portieres) 
I saw a frightful-looking creature. 
(Shivers) 
Oh ! It's horrid ! It's horrid ! 

FRANK 
(To Kaihrvn) 
There's foul play here ! 
(Looks about, X*s to sofa up L.. loof^s behind it.) 

' RAYMOND AND KATHRYN 

(Rise, follorv Frank n>ith their e^e$,) 

FRANK 
(X's to portieres up C, seizes cord firmly, pulls cord 
quickh* parting portieres,) 

SIDNEY 
(Discovered, strikes at Frank.) 

FRANK 
(Parries hlon> with quick movement of left arm, and with 
right hand grabs Sidney by ivrist.) 

SIDNEY 
(Struggles to escape.) 

FRANK 
(Overpowers Sidney. With left hand forces his face up 
to exposure, snatches off disguise, recognizes Sidney, releases 
hold, jumps back* throws up hands, indicating great astonish- 
ment.) 

KATHRYN 
(Vigorously points finger at Sidney) 
You ! Sidney ! — 

(Gives loud, hysterical yell, X's to L. and L. C, drops to 
sofa.) 

RAYMOND 
(Throws hands above head, as if supplicating heaven) 

Oh! My God! 

CURTAIN. 
128 



I 



ACT IV. 

Scene — Same as Act III. Small table at intersection of 
up R. C, lip L. C, R. C. and L. C, on which rests a roneo- 
phone and a pile of records. 

Time — Next evening. 

Place — Same. 

RAYMOND, LORD HENRY AND FRANK 
(Discovered at rise, in evening dress, seated at table R. C.) 

KATHRYN AND MABEL 
(Discovered, in evening gowns, seated on sofa L. and L. C.) 

CHARLES 
(Discovered, still wearing court plasters on face, working 
with roneophone.) 

RONEOPHONE 
"My son, your conscience is awakening. You will find 
the way to use your fortune for humanity. You can 
accomplish wonderful things for civilization. 

CHARLES 
(Shuts off roneophone.) 

RAYMOND 
(Rises) 

Oh! How that dream troubled me! 

LORD HENRY 
(To Raymond) 
That doesn't sound like your voice. 

RAYMOND 

No, I intoned my father's voice, talking in my sleep. 
(Breads, throwing glance at all present, apologetically)) 
If I may just a little further tax you, I want you to 

hear one more. 

(Breads, sits, picks up book, turns over leaves. To Charles) 
Charles, put on the record — of — let me see — the record 

of — night before last. 

129 



CHARLES 
(Tal^es off record, puis on nen> record,) 

RONEOPHONE 

"It is not ordered that the conduct of men should be 
outlined by a voice from another world. The natural 
process of evolution must go on ; it is ordained that man, 
while yet cumbered with the flesh, shall gradually work 
out the scheme of social justice. Turn your masterful 
mind upon it." 

(Makes brief stop.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Lights cigarette, shifts nervously.) 

RONEOPHONE 
(Resuming) 

** Serve your fellow-man ! Don't hesitate ! Beware the 
temptation of pride and selfish motive !" 

RAYMOND 
(Rises.) 

FRANK 
(Rises, curiously^) 

How about our record of last night ? 

RAYMOND 
(Sadb) 
Oh, yes. 

(Picks up record) 

This will serve as an example of each voice. 
(Hands record to Charles, sits.) 

FRANK 
(Sits.) 

CHARLES 
(Changes records, starts roneophone.) 

RAYMOND 

(To Charles) 

That's all. 

130 



CHARLES 

(Exit up L, C.) 

RONEOPHONE 

(In Frank's voice) 

"Fine!" 

(In Lord Henri's voice) 

"Splendid idea, don't you know !'* 

(In Sidney s voice) 

"Father, I object. I, for one, don't care to go into 
vaudeville." 

(In Kathr})n*s voice) 

"Sidney, you're too modest. It'll be great fun to hear 
what we've said." 

(In Raymond*s voice) 

"Nobody seems to object but Sidney, and he'll be a 
good fellow." 

RAYMOND 
(X*s to roneophone, shuts it off) 

For personal reasons, I did not preserve all of the 
record. 

(NOISE OF MEN TALKING OUTSIDE.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L. C. hands Raymond a letter) 
Several people, sir; but they just want you to read the 
letter. 

RAYMOND 
(Takes and opens letter.) 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L.C.) 

RAYMOND 
(Smiling^ to all) 
Oh ! From the labor union. 
(Reads) 

"Resolved: That we extend to Mr. Oliver Raymond 
our sincere thanks for his action in restoring the wage 

131 



scale, giving work to the unemployed, and promising to 
correct sanitary conditions, and 

"Resolved : That we wish him long life and happiness, 
and 

"Resolved: That a copy of this resolution be imme- 
diately despatched to Mr. Raymond. 

"Mark Harding, 
"Qiairman of Committee." 
(Exit up L C.) 

MARK HARDING 
(OUTSIDE) 
Three cheers for Oliver Raymond ! 

SEVERAL VOICES 
(OUTSIDE) 

Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! 

(SOUND OF TALKING OUTSIDE FADING 
AWAY.) 

RAYMOND 
(Enter up L, C. X's to Kathr^.) 

KATHRYN 

(Gushingly)) 

Isn't that splendid of them ! 

(Rises^ embraces Raymond, affectionately) 
Doesn't that give you more pleasure than money ? 

RAYMOND 
(Choking up, kindly) 
Yes, daughter, I'm glad I did it. 
(Breaks from Kathryn, controlling self.) 

FRANK 
(Rises. To Raymond, encouragingly) 
You have brought joy into the lives of those men and 
their families. 

132 



RAYMOND 
(Generousl\f) 

Mostly thanks to you an<l Kathryn. 
(Resolutdyf) 

I mean to devote the rest of my life and the major part 
of my fortune to the welfare of others. 

LORD HENRY 
(RiseSt exciiedt sUghtl}) embarrassed) 
Mr. Raymond, Vm really astonished to think that 
dreams have actually taken hold on you. 

RAYMOND 
Dreams may have no significance, but they have awak- 
ened my conscience. 

LORD HENRY 
(Anxiously) 

You don't mean that you contemplate doing anything 
with your fortune other than is customary with the Amer- 
ican multimillionaire? 

RAYMOND 

(Steelil}f, slowly) 

I'm not so sure that I shall be quite conventional. 

(Breaks, sadly) 

Now that Sidney has withdrawn himself from my con- 
sideration — 

(Breaks, glances at Kathryn, calmly) 
Kathryn is my sole heir — and she has ideas of her own. 

MABEL 
(Flustered, rises) 

Kathryn, please excuse me ? 

KATHRYN 
Certainly! 

ALL 
(Look toward Mabel.) 

MABEL 
(Exit precipitately up L. C) 
133 



RAYMOND 
(To Frank) 

I read over the Payton Formula today, and if Lord 
Henry and Kathryn will excuse us, Fd like to talk it over 
with you. 

RAYMOND AND FRANK 
(Exeunt up R.) 

KATHRYN 
(X*s to sofa L, and L. C, sits,) 

LORD HENRY 
(X*s to Kathryn, feigning light-heartedness) 
My dear Miss Raymond, this is my first opportunity to 
see you alone since I returned to your country. 

KATHRYN 
(Indicating seat beside her) 
So it is, my lord. 

LORD HENRY 
(Sits) 

Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! I've laughed more about that bally joke 
on the courthouse — 

KATHRYN 
Really? 

LORD HENRY 

Yes ! You know, I didn't see it at first. 

KATHRYN 
Oh ! I thought you saw it. 

LORD HENRY 
No — er — really — er — I — er — thought — er — a great deal 
about it in London, and on my estates ; but, you know, I 
didn't understand enough about your ways over here. 

KATHRYN 
(Smiles) 

But you do now ? 

134 



LORD HENRY 

Oh, bless you, yes! When you said you were going 
to avoid the courthouse, you meant, of course, that you 
would stay away from the marriage license bureau. Ha I 
Ha!! Ha!!! 

KATHRYN 
Clever, my lord ! 
(Laughs heartil}).) 

LORD HENRY 
(Seriousl}ft anxiously)) 

But surely. Miss Raymond— 

(Breah(s, epes Tvander about room, then adjusting monocle 
to eije, looJ^s straight at Kathr^n, persuasively^) 
you wouldn't be the one to advise your father to leave his 
great fortune to any other than yourself f 

KATHRYN 
(Leaning hack, coldl}), resentfully^) 

My lord, it is not for me to say what my father shall do 
with his fortune — but — 

LORD HENRY 
(Drops monocle, extends hands in appealing gesture) 

My dear Miss Raymond! 

KATHRYN 
I have decided not to accept one dollar of inheritance. 
(Slightly) embarrassed) 
I intend either to work for my living, or to marry — 

LORD HENRY 

(Interrupting, hopefully^) 

Yes? 

KATHRYN 
(Pla^full^) 
a man who wants me for myself. 

135 



LORD HENRY 
(Agitated, rapidly) 

My dear Miss Raymond ! if you accept me, how could 
we live? 

KATHRYN 
(Smiling) 

My dear Lord Henry ! I've never told you that I would 
accept you. 

LORD HENRY 
But your father — 

KATHRYN 

(With dignity) 

When I met you, my father, like so many Americans, 
wanted a title in the family. My poor brother — 

(Breaks, sadly) 
was even more determined that there should be a link 
between our great wealth and nobility — 

(Breaks, smiling) 
and that I should be that link. 

LORD HENRY 
(Drops on k^^^s, clasps hands, assumes imploring attitude) 
But I love you ! You would make me very happy ! 

KATHRYN 
My lord ! 
(Indicates seat.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Rises, sits) 

I love you for yourself ! 
(Hope revived) 

But of course you know it would be impossible for me, 
in my position, to marry without a dowry. 

KATHRYN 
So of course it cannot be ! 

136 



LORD HENRY 
(Embarrassed) 

Miss Raymond, I trust I may be too gallant to find 
fault with anything you, or any lady, might say — 

(Breaks, looks ahouU adjusts monocle to ei;e, looks squarely 
at Kaihry^n scornfullyf) 

but I must express myself as feeling sort of humiliated at 
the manner in which you have seen fit to decline my 
honorable proffer of marriage. 

KATHRYN 

(With mock heroics) 

My lord, as you would be gallant, I, too, would not be 
rude; but by asking what we'd live on, you essentially 
demanded my answer here and now. 

LORD HENRY 
My dear Miss Raymond ! 

KATHRYN 

(Conc/usive/p) 

My lord, you have made it plain that you would not 
marry except for money, which / will not give; and I 
have made it plain that I would not marry except for 
love, which you cannot give. So, it turns out that neither 
one is blamed, because we have each refused the other. 

LORD HENRY 
(Imploring gesture.) 

KATHRYN 
(Finality) 
My resolution is fixed ! My lord, I wish you well ! 

LORD HENRY 
(Rises, steps hack* makes grand salaam) 
Miss Raymond! an Englishman may be defeated, but 
he never lowers his flag of pride, 

CHARLES 
(Enters up R.) 

Miss Raymond, you are wanted on the telephone. 

137 



KATHRYN 
{To Charles) 
Connect with my room ! 

CHARLES 
(Exit up R,) 

KATHRYN 
(Rises) 

Excuse me, please ? 

LORD HENRY 
Certainly ! 

KATHRYN 
(Exit up L. C.) 

LORD HENRY 
(Looks about, straightens up, with hodyj rigid, X*s quickl}? 
to R. 2, rings, X*s to L. and L. C.) 

CHARLES 
(Enters up R.) 

LORD HENRY 
(With dignified pose) 
My car, please ! 

CHARLES 
(Exit up L. C.) 

MABEL 
(Enters up L. C, quicklv X*s to Lord Henry) 
My dear Lord Henry, Fm so upset ! 

LORD HENRY 
What's the matter, Miss Foss ? 

MABEL 
(With effort) 
Did you know Mr. Raymond had cut Sidney off? 

LORD HENRY 
Had no idea! 

138 



MABEL 
(Contritely^) 

I suppose I've been foolish. I really didn't love Sidney ; 
but I thought he could give me position and prestige. 

LORD HENRY 
(Seems bored and impatient.) 

MABEL 
You know, my lord, I don't care for his money. I have 
plenty in my own right. 

LORD HENRY 
(Interested) 

Miss Foss, won't you sit down ? 
(Indicates seat on sofa L. and L. C.) 

MABEL 
(Sits) 
I'm so broken up over it! 

LORD HENRY 
I've just decided that I can never think of marrying 
Miss Raymond! 
(Sits.) 

MABEL 
(Excitedly)) 
How so, my lord? 

LORD HENRY 
She has such odd notions. We're quits. It's all decided I 
I told her ! 

MABEL 
And you aren't going to marry Kathryn? 

LORD HENRY 
(Proudly) 

Absolutely no! Ah — er — I say — er — ^my dear Miss 
Foss — er — you know — er — my estates require a great deal 
of money to keep them in the dignity of my station. 

139 



My lord, I have plenty of money ! 

LORD HENRY 
How — er — may I ask what you mean by plenty? 

MABEL 

(Hopefullxf) 

Well, compared with the Raymonds, of course, it*s 
nothing ; you might say I'm a pauper ; I'm almost ashamed 
to confess to you. I have only five millions. 

LORD HENRY 
(Precipitately) drops on his ^nees, grabs Mabels hand) 
My dear Miss Foss! Will you have me? 

MABEL 
Yes! 
{Throws herself into Lord Henryi's arms.) 

KATHRYN 
(Enters up L. C, takes in situation,) 

LORD HENRY AND MABEL 
(Discover Kathr^n and quickly rise,) 

KATHRYN 
Pardon me! 
(Starts to go.) 

(SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE OUTSIDE COMING 
TO STOP.) 

LORD HENRY 
Miss Raymond, one moment ! 

CHARLES 
(Enters up L, C.) 
Lord Henry's car! 
(Exit up L. C) 

KATHRYN 
(Stops, gives attention,) 

140 



LORD HENRY 

I have the honor to announce to you that Miss Foss and 
I are engaged ! We bid you good-evening ! 
{Bows disdainjully.) 

MABEL 
{To Kathryn, haughtily) 
Good-by, Miss Raymond ! 
{Takes Lord Henry* s arm.) 

KATHRYN 
I congratulate you both ! 
(X's io upC.)^ 

LORD HENRY AND MABEL 
{Bow acknowledgmenU exeunt up L. C.) 

KATHRYN 
{Looks abouU X's to sofa L. and L. C, si'fs, hursts into 
peals of laughter.) 

{SOUND OF AUTOMOBILE DEPARTING.) 

FRANK 
{Enters up R., stops on threshold.) 

KATHRYN 
{Looks up, discovers Franks continues laughing.) 

FRANK 
Why, Miss Raymond, you're excited ! 

KATHRYN 
Excited ? I should say I am ! 

FRANK 
What about? 

KATHRYN 
Fate has relieved me of a great embarrassment ! 

FRANK 
Embarrassment ? 

141 



KATHRYN 
Yes, I have the pleasure of announcing that Lord 
Henry and Miss Foss are engaged ! 

FRANK 
(X's to table R, C, sits) 
Are you joking? 

KATHRYN 

No! Mabel, tonight, for the first time, surmised that 
father would disinherit Sidney. 

FRANK 
But why did Lord Henry abandon his determination ? 

KATHRYN 
I told Lord Henry a secret, which I'll now tell you ! 

FRANK 
(Eagerly) 
Yes? 

KATHRYN 

I told him I shall accept no inheritance ! 

FRANK 
Miss Raymond! 

KATHRYN 
{Putting up her hand in protest) 

I mean it! I want father to use his entire fortune in 
your formula. And if I decline to accept any, I know 
he'll do it ! 

FRANK 
(Meditatively^, eagerly) 
Then you don't love Lord Henry, after all ? 

KATHRYN 
(Coy^h) 
No, I never did! 

FRANK 
(Inquiringly) 

And the shadow was imaginary ? 

142 



KATHRYN 
(Afildl}) astonished) 
What shadow ? 

FRANK 
(Impatiently) 
The shadow of Lord Henry ! 

KATHRYN 
(Brighth) 
Oh, I remember ! 
{Breaks^ unmeaningly) 
Well, he couldn't cause much of an eclipse. 

FRANK 

(Doubtfulh) 
And is there nobody else ? 

(Fishing) 

Is there no one who stands first in your affections ? 

KATHRYN 
(M})steriously) 
Yes, there's one who means more to me than all others. 

FRANK 
(Discouraged t cunous) 
Do I know him ? 

KATHRYN 
(M\)steriousl})) 
No, I think not ! 

FRANK 
(Sadb) 
Then I'm still in the shadow ! 

KATHRYN 
(Smiles, ironically^) 
I'm afraid you are. And I'm sorry ! 

FRANK 
(Anxiously, softly) 
Are you engaged to him ? 

143 



KATHRYN 
(Teasinglyf) 
No. He has never asked me. 

FRANK 
(Resignedljf) 
And you love him? 

KATHRYN 
(Co})l\f) 
Yes, I think I do. 

FRANK 
(Sadlv) 

And you would marry him? 

KATHRYN 
(Softly,) 
Yes! 

FRANK 

(Admomshinglyf) 

He wants you for yourself, you're sure, and not for 
your money f 

KATHRYN 
(A/ps/erious/p) 
He also knows that I shall have no money. 

FRANK 
(Quizzically) 
And I don't know him ? 

KATHRYN 
(Smiling, frankly) 

No, my dear Professor, you certainly do not ! 
(Breal^s, teasingl})) 

Do you remember the night you read aloud from the 
Autocrat of the Breakfast Table? We agreed that it 

144 



applied to everybody; there is what John thinks he is; 
what his neighbors think he is, and what he is. 
{Breaks^ rises, philosophically)) 
According to that, nobody really knows himself — 

iMullv) 

so, of course, you don't know the man I love! 

FRANK 
(Rises, hurriedly X's to Kathryn, rapturously) 
Kathryn! Then you do love mef 

KATHRYN 
Yes, Frank ! 

FRANK 
And you will be my wife ? 

KATHRYN AND FRANK 
(Embrace and ki^s.) 

KATHRYN 
(Breaking from embrace, childlike simplicity, teasingh) 
Yes, if it'll please my father ! 

RAYMOND 

(Enters up R., hands behind back, doesnt notice Kathryn 
and Frank, X's sloivly to table, in deep study, sits, buries face 
in hands.) 

KATHRYN AND FRANK 
(Eagerly watch Raymond.) 

RAYMOND 
(Lowers hands, lifts head) 

Daughter, I can't do it ! I have gone all over the details 
of the plan, but I cannot do it ! 

KATHRYN 
(Hand lifted, protestingly) 
Father ! 

145 



RAYMOND 

(Lifts hand in counter protest) 

It's no use, Kathryn ! rm not going to ruin your 
future for an act of charity. After all, we may be 
mistaken. 

KATHRYN 
But my future — 
(X's to table,) 

RAYMOND 
If you marry Lord Henry, you'll need the entire 
fortune. 

KATHRYN 
But I'm not going to marry Lord Henry ! 

RAYMOND 
(Rises) 

What! 

KATHRYN 
Lord Henry and Mabel have just announced their 
engagement. 

RAYMOND 
(Seriously) 
I don't understand ! 

KATHRYN 
I told him I had decided to accept no inheritance. 

RAYMOND 
(Anxiously^) 
And then ? 

KATHRYN 
And then we refused each other! 

RAYMOND 
(Sits) 

But you say he's engaged to Mabel ? 

146 



KATHRYN 
(Enthusiasiicall})) 

Yes, I was called on the phone, and when I returned 
Lord Henry was — 

{Pointing to floor b^ sofa L. and L. C.) 

on his knees to Mabel. He then haughtily informed me 
they were engaged. 

RAYMOND 
(Reflectively) 
Then it was the money he was after ! 

KATHRYN 

(Sits, seriously) 

Yes! And it shows the curse of too many millions! 
Father ! I want you to go on with the formula ! Give 
your money back to the use of the people who gave it to 
you — and reduce thpir cost of living. 

FRANK 
(Sits.) 

RAYMOND 

And leave you poor? 

KATHRYN 
That is my wish. I mean it ! 

RAYMOND 

And you refuse to accept any inheritance? 

KATHRYN 
I want happiness, and I shall get it that way ! It's only 
according to the law of compensation that a great fortune 
wrested from the people should, in its turn, redound to 
their benefit. Somebody will do it some day, and I want 
you to have the first credit and honor, 

RAYMOND 
Fm an old man. I feel helpless. 

KATHRYN 
You want to make me happy ? 

147 



RAYMOND 
That's my sole ambition ! 

KATHRYN 

Then create the foundation for the formula with the one 
hundred millions, and will the remainder to the Founda- 
tion Corporation, and I shall be happy. 

RAYMOND 
(Hesitates; resigneJ/ij, to Frank) 
Put it in final shape tomorrow — the Payton Formula. 

KATHRYN 
(Rises, throws arms about his neck) 
Father, you zidll do it? You have decided F 

RAYMOND 
I can do no different ! 

FRANK 
(Rises, X*s to table.) 

KATHRYN 
(Embarrassed) 

Now, father, I wish to make an announcement. 
(Putting her hand affectionately^ on Frank* s arm-) 

FRANK 
(Takes Kathryns hand in his.) 

KATHRYN 
(To Ray^mond, timidly^) 
Subject to your approval — 
(Breaks, coy^lyj) 
Professor Payton and I are engaged. 

RAYMOND 
(Rises, quickht in mild astonishment) 

Kathryn ! Since when ? 

148 



KATHRYN 
(Quickb) 

Only tonight ! 

(Apologetically, rapidly) 

Professor Payton would never have thought of asking 
me to marry him while he believed Lord Henry had your 
approval. 

FRANK 
(7^0 Ray^mond, bravely^, proudly) 
Mr. Raymond, will you consent ? 

RAYMOND 

(Smiling complacentbj, solemnl}), taking Kathf^n and Frank 
b}; the hand. To Kathryn) 

My daughter, you have my most hearty blessing ! 

(Breaks, to Frank) 

And my son ! This is the sort of union that must bring 
happiness. 

(Releases Frank*s hand, embraces and kisses Kathryn. Re- 
leases Kathryn and shakes hands with Frank* Breaks, to 
Frank, smiling) 

I confess that my vanity as to caste, class and titles is 
all gone. 

(Breaks, meditatively^) 

I now realize that money is not the whole thing. I 
realize that too much disproportion in wealth is a bad 
thing for society — bad for those who are deprived of the 
comforts of life, and bad for those who hold such a 
needless amount. 

(Pauses, dreamily;) 

Overfed capital wallows in its own mire. 

(Sits, reflects.) 

FRANK AND KATHRYN 
(X to sofa L. and L. C. ) 

RAYMOND 
(Follows them with his eyes) 
Kathryn, r have made you happy ? 

149 



KATHRYN 
Yes, father! 

RAYMOND 
But I'm afraid I have made myself miserable ! 

KATHRYN 
(X*s quickh ^0 Rayjmond) 
Why, father? 

RAYMOND 
Are you as anxious to please me, and to make me 
happy? 

KATHRYN 
Why, certainly, father ! Anything in the world ! 

RAYMOND 
There are two modifications which I must make. 

KATHRYN 
What are they, father ? 

RAYMOND 
First: I wish the corporation, in the discretion of the 
trustees, to provide against the actual want of Sidney. 

KATHRYN 
Sidney has money. 

RAYMOND 

I'm afraid he'll run through with it. I cannot help 
pitying him. His unhappy state is my fault. If every 
father so pampered his sons, the second generation would 
be a race of idlers, who would sap the strength of the 
nation and undermine our civilization; the fighting edge 
would be gone. 

(Pauses, dreamily) 

The lust of wealth has brought Sidney to the shame of 
poverty. 

KATHRYN 
Why, of course, father ! Make that provision ! 

150 



RAYMOND 
(Rises) 

And the other modification is— you must accept, as a 
gift outright, a comfortable amount. 

KATHRYN 
But, father, I said I would accept no inheritance ! 

RAYMOND 
It shall not be an inheritance, but a gift. You must 
accept it. 
(To Frank) 

Professor, this must be done, or I fear I cannot go on. 
(To Kathrifn) 
If you'll consent, I'll sign tomorrow. 

FRANK 
(X*s toD.C.) 

KATHRYN 
If you'll make it small. I'd rather see the entire fortune 
go to the corporation — to reduce the cost of living. 

RAYMOND 
(Reflecting) 

I'll make it only one-half of one per cenf. of the amount 
that would be legally yours. 

KATHRYN 
Then, father, you'll be happy? 

RAYMOND 

Yes ! Happy ! As CrcEsus found succor by repenting 
in the name of Solon, so I find happiness by repenting in 
the name of humanity. 

KATHRYN 

(Leads Raymond to D. C, puts one arm around Ray^mond, 
the other around Frank* fairl}f beams with smiles) 

We're all happy, because we're going to make others 
happy ! 

CURTAIN, 

151 



A^ 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 

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